Free Web NovelChapter 171: Let There Be Chaos (2)
The bustling settlement of the Phoenixes hummed with activity as the settlers went about their daily tasks. People moved through the streets, exchanging greetings and carrying out their duties.
Merchants displayed their wares, children played in the open spaces, and the aroma of food wafted from the nearby kitchens. It felt like none of them had heard about the impending war between them and Aric.
Amidst the familiar rhythm of life, a sudden explosion shattered the peace. The ground shook beneath their feet, and a thunderous blast reverberated, leaving the settlers in shock and confusion. freēwebnovel.com
Startled cries filled the air as people frantically sought shelter or braced themselves against the impact of the unknown.
Chaos ensued as panic spread through the settlement. Dust and debris filled the air, obscuring vision and adding to the sense of disarray.
The explosion had originated from outside the main gate, and fear gripped the hearts of the settlers as they realised their sanctuary was under attack.
"What was that?!" a voice exclaimed, panic lacing the words.
"Is it an attack? Are we under siege?" another voice cried out, anxiety lacing every syllable. "Is it that Aric bastard?"
Seeing the situation getting out of hand, Selena stepped up, her voice calm yet commanding. "All of you can panic later! Let’s assess the situation and ensure the safety of our people first."
As the settling dust revealed the intact state of the front gate and the fortified walls, a collective sigh of relief escaped the lips of the settlers.
The reinforcements they had painstakingly installed had proven their worth, withstanding the force of the explosion and safeguarding the settlement from immediate danger.
But Selena, ever vigilant, knew that this was just the beginning. The threat of more explosions loomed over their heads, threatening to erode the walls, and she knew without the walls to protect them, they’d be toast in a matter of minutes.
Selena immediately radioed the guards stationed at and around the main gate but didn’t get any response from them. The silence only deepened her concerns, and she knew they had to act swiftly. With a determined expression, she turned to the guards near her and issued urgent orders.
"Go to the main gate and find out what’s happening. We cannot afford to leave it unattended any longer," Selena commanded, her voice laced with urgency. freēwebnovel.com
The guards nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, and swiftly made their way towards the gate.
Rico and Kira, sensing the severity of the situation, came rushing towards Selena as they heard the explosion. However, once they saw the expression on her face, they knew what to do.
Without exchanging a word, they split into action, each taking charge of a crucial task.
Kira’s focus turned to the safety of the settlers, especially the vulnerable ones. With practised efficiency, she directed the elderly, children, and non-combatants towards the safety bunkers. She guided them through the chaos, instilling a sense of calm amidst the fear.
"Follow me, quickly and quietly." She said as she used her ability to craft a makeshift shield of vines to protect the crowd.
The settlers followed her lead without hesitation because they had been practising the same for a week on Nova’s recommendation.
Meanwhile, Rico took charge of the group of able-bodied men and women. He rallied them together, instilling a sense of purpose and readiness for whatever lay ahead. They gathered their weapons and armour, securing them tightly and preparing for a potential conflict.
"Stay focused, stay vigilant," Rico declared, his voice resonating with authority. "We need to defend our home from the invaders!"
The settlers armed themselves with practised ease. Each person knew the weight of their responsibility and the importance of their collective effort.
However, they weren’t foolish enough to believe they’d escape the crisis without losses. So they ensured to let their loved ones know how much they cared about them, in case it was the last time they saw each other.
There was a third group led by Tom. A relatively small group of youngsters slowly crept around the rest of the walls to ensure the reinforcements were in place.
They fortified the walls, reinforcing barricades and tightening their defences, leaving no room for complacency.
As the tension thickened in the settlement, the Phoenixes emerged, donned in their battle gear. Each group member had been equipped with specialised equipment, meticulously crafted to enhance their abilities and fortify their strength.
However, amidst the rush of preparation, one figure stood apart—Marcus. Despite Shinon’s willingness to craft some gear for him, Marcus had adamantly refused his assistance.
He had chosen to rely solely on his own capabilities, rejecting the aid that Shinon had offered to the rest of the Phoenixes.
Before the Phoenixes could inquire about the status of their base, urgency filled the air as the guards rushed towards them, their expressions etched with fear and alarm.
"The guards at the gate have been eliminated, and our defences are about to be breached by unidentified assailants!" one of the guards exclaimed, his voice trembling with urgency.
Lova’s eyes blazed with anger, her voice dripping with venom. "Unidentified my ass! It’s that wretched Aric!"
"It’s possible," Nova wondered, resting her hands on her waist. "But how could he have discovered the girls’ location so quickly?"
"There must be a traitor among us," Sable interjected, her voice laced with frustration and suspicion. "Someone who went behind our backs and informed him about it."
Marcus watched the scene unfold, a twisted smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He revelled in the chaos, relishing the sight of the Phoenixes facing the consequences of siding with Shinon instead of him—the one who had protected them for so long.
In his mind, this was their punishment, a lesson they would learn through sacrifice and suffering. However, he quickly hid his smile before anyone could notice.
As for the guards stationed at the gate... He had meticulously taken them down, ensuring their silence to mask the arrival of Aric’s men.
However, he underestimated the fortifications the settlers had applied to their walls and gate. The strength of their reinforcements had managed to withstand the initial assault, catching Marcus off guard. That said, there was still time for Aric’s men to easily invade the settlement.
"Wondering about the traitor’s identity wouldn’t solve anything," Marcus roared over everyone else. "We must first defend the settlement from the invaders!"
"Marcus is correct." Sable nodded. "Let’s move out!"
