Chapter 561 – Meeting Before The Break.

“Look up in the sky!”

“Is that a bird?”

“Is it a Wyvern?”

“Not, It’s… It’s Lord Wayland!”

Roland cut through the sky, his runic flight unit muffled by a silencing spell as it propelled him toward Arthur’s estate. The people below raised their heads and shouted, many waving energetically. It was still something that he was getting used to, but his reputation with the population was rather good. Many of them attributed the current state of the city to his presence.

As he whizzed by he took a moment to look at Albrook below him. It had been many years since he arrived here and the city was almost unrecognisable. What was once a settlement devoid of proper infrastructure had transformed into a thriving hub of innovation and prosperity.

The roads were paved, the markets bustling, and stone buildings lined the streets, many of them enhanced with runic technology. Defensive walls were lined with automated turrets, all powered by runic generators. On the streets, various golems strolled around, some part of their military unit and others just assisting people with their work. Roland exhaled as he increased his speed. This was his home now, and he wasn’t about to let anything threaten it.

After around a minute, he reached Arthur’s estate, his arrival heralded by a gust of wind as he slowed down and descended. The guards barely had time to react before recognizing him, stepping aside to let him pass. He landed smoothly on the main grounds before Arthur’s mansion and deactivated his flight unit which was retracted back into his spatial storage. Mary along with Arthur were exiting the estate as they had already been alerted of the issues.

“Sir Wayland.”

Arthur called out to him first, his expression serious.

“Sebastian sent word. The culling… It’s started, hasn’t it?”

Roland nodded.

“The culling. It’s coming, we need to call all the commanders together.”

Arthur nodded back and then quickly asked.

“How bad is it? How much time do we have?”

“By my and Sebastian’s estimations, we should have until nightfall.”

Roland could see Arthur exhale, his shoulders easing slightly, but his expression remained tense.

“Nightfall gives us some time, but not much. We need to act fast.”

“Yes, we should follow the plan.”

“Indeed, I should go make the speech then, is that device ready?”

Roland nodded.

“Luckily, we managed to assemble it a few weeks ago, it’s ready.”

“Great, gather the commanders then, I will be with you shortly my friend.”

Both men nodded at each other and headed in different directions. Arthur moved back into the estate, while Roland headed to a specially prepared war room for such an occasion. With his rank as High Knight Commander, he could call all the officers there and inform them about the current situation. Arthur, on the other hand, needed to inform the populace about what was coming and enforce martial law.

Arthur strode through the halls of his estate with purpose, his mind already formulating the words he would need to reassure his people. The device Roland had mentioned was a relatively new addition, something they had been testing in secret. Now, it would serve its true purpose: to deliver a message to the entire city at once.

As he entered the designated chamber, a team of technicians was already making final adjustments to the runic device. The large, circular platform pulsed with energy, its surface carved with intricate symbols that shimmered as they activated. The device was connected to a large runic console, one that would transmit his image directly to the city square, where a large holographic projection would appear above the fountain dedicated to his family.

One of the people, a person wearing a butler uniform turned to him and nodded.

“Lord Valerian, everything is ready. You may begin when you’re ready.”

Arthur inhaled deeply, then stepped onto the platform. As soon as his boots made contact, the runes flared, and a soft light filled the room. The area around him glowed as his body was illuminated by a magical haze. It pulsated for a brief moment before fading away and he looked forward onto a screen that relayed the image of what was happening in the city square.

A statue of his father, Duke Alexander Valerian, stood tall, surrounded by the shimmering water of a white marble fountain. Now, the water glimmered even more brightly as the runes beneath it began to activate. At first, the distortion was subtle, with ripples forming just beneath the surface. Then, the hidden mechanisms within the base of the monument came to life. A series of gears and enchanted runes activated in perfect sequence. The fountain’s water, once cascading freely, suddenly slowed to a halt as an image appeared above it.

The people of Albrook gasped as their city lord’s enormous, luminous form took shape. Some had seen this device in action during minor tests, but never on such a grand scale. Arthur’s holographic presence loomed over the square, his expression resolute yet reassuring. The plaza, once filled with the chatter of merchants and townsfolk, instantly fell silent. Arthur took a breath. His voice, now resonating through sound amplification magic, carried across the city as he began his address.

“Citizens of Albrook”

He began, his voice carrying across the city with the help of the runic sound amplifier.

“I stand before you today not just as your lord, but as your protector. A great danger approaches. Just as you have been told, the culling is upon us.”

The citizens looked up, many murmuring among themselves at the mention of the culling. For months, city officials had been spreading information about the impending dungeon break, ensuring that the people were prepared for its eventual arrival. Their efforts seemed to have paid off, as the citizens did not appear as alarmed as they might have been otherwise.

“As you know, we have long prepared for this moment. Today, danger is upon us but fret not…”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd, but none descended into panic. Arthur’s leadership had ensured the city was well-informed and prepared. His voice remained firm, commanding attention without spreading fear.

“…The city walls will hold. Our defenses are strong, our golems and knights stand ready. However, I must urge all non-combatants to proceed immediately to the designated shelters at the city center. These locations have been fortified and provisioned to ensure your safety.”

The runic amplifiers carried his words across every district, from the merchant quarters to the residential sectors. Across the city, designated guards and officials began guiding citizens toward the shelters while trying to maintain order.

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“Let me make one thing clear: Albrook will stand. Our preparations have been thorough, and our resolve is unshaken. Stay vigilant. Stay united. And know this, I Arthur Valerian stand with you! And I promise on my father’s name, no harm will befall you and this city!”

A brief silence followed, then a unified cheer rang out. The people trusted their lord, and Arthur’s unwavering confidence reassured them. With those final words, the hologram flickered and vanished, leaving the people with some time for everything to settle in. Arthur stepped off the platform, sweat appearing on his brow as he took a moment to take a breath.

“Lord Arthur, that was a great speech.”

Mary approached him first, a reassuring smile on her face.

“You think so Mary? I improvised some at the end there… Nevertheless, we should join Sir Wayland and the others.”

“Yes, Lord Arthur, everyone should have gathered now.”

Arthur and Mary made their way swiftly to the war room, where Roland and the city’s highest-ranking commanders were already assembled. The room, carved from reinforced stone, was dimly lit by glowing orbs embedded in the walls. A massive, enchanted map of Albrook and its surrounding regions was projected above the central table, constantly updating with the latest reports from sensors and golemic cameras.