Three days later, on the northern edge of the San Rafael Swell in eastern Utah.
Disguised as a merchant caravan and secretly evacuating, the Resistance Army group gathered again amid a set of ruins.
"News from Vespera."
Cable addressed the others gravely. "The Black Spirit King has issued an announcement to the entire wasteland through the Cult's Faith Network. On next month's Dusk Memorial Day, Vespera will publicly try Ororo, Kurt, and the other resistance fighters captured since the Dusk War in Daskoro Square, then execute them in public."
A deathly silence fell over the group.
Colossus's fists slowly tightened, and Quentin's expression turned utterly cold.
"We have just over twenty days," Domino murmured, then looked at the people from the academy. "Plenty of time for us to make our way to Vespera and get ourselves killed."
No one disagreed.
The Black Spirit King had not executed Ororo and the others immediately. Instead, he had allowed ample time before a public execution and deliberately announced it to the entire world. His intentions could hardly have been clearer.
"In a way, this is good news."
Miles took a deep breath and said slowly, "At least we don't have to worry too much about Ororo and the others' lives before this so-called Dusk Memorial Day. Also, can someone explain what 'Dusk Memorial Day' actually is?"
"It's the day the Black Spirit King summoned Feirotus after his resurrection," Cable answered. "After the Dusk War, Vespera was established, and 'Dusk Memorial Day' was designated its most important religious and political holiday, dedicated to praising Feirotus. That tradition continues today."
"So, basically, it's Vespera's biggest annual religious celebration, military parade, and political propaganda day?" Miles looked thoughtful.
"Exactly." Cable nodded. "On that day, Daskoro will become the most heavily defended place in all of Vespera.