THAT DAY I BECAME A STAR

"So, do we all agree?" 

"There isn't much of a choice there." 

"Still, I think waiting would have been the best choice." 

In the end, Frankher has proposed an idea that took in action as many factors as possible considering everything we know and have at our disposal. Most of the captains still don't agree with it but they do know that are already at a disadvantage. 

"So, to summarize it: Six teams of five people will enter the dome from different areas. Two of them will have to find the source of the dome and destroy it, allowing the main army to enter the city and secure it. One team will have to look for any survivor; two team will act as diversion to attract the Longinus attention and finally, one team will have to locate and engage the hammer hands prior to the army." 

"My team will take care of the survivors." The guy with the mustache immediately follows. We didn't really decide on who will do what until now but since none of those tasks will be easy, it doesn't matter.. 

"I see. But the most important is the team which will fight the hammer hands. Star of mercuria, I believe you knew already but that will be your role. You are therefore free to pick anybody you want to accompany you in this task. Even those present in this room right now. But no matter what happens, you have to hold on until the army arrives."

"I will, sir. But there is one thing that I want to mention since I almost forgot about it."

"And what is it?" They all look at me like I am about to announce we will die. Well, what I am about to say is close to that so…

"The army shouldn't enter the city directly."

"Eh? What? You think you can take care of the hammer hands alone?" 

"No, it is the opposite. I don't think there will be any survivors from my team. But that's not-"

"Wait? What?" 

"And why are you doing this then?" 

"Please, gentlemen!" There is a vein that is popping up on Frankher's forehead now. Just like me, he has finally grown tired all those guys. "Remain calm and let us listen. Star of mercuria, why do you say we shouldn't let the army aenter the city as soon as the dome is down." 

"Because there is a chance that they will open a portal. Just like they did back at the eternal academy." 

When I say that, Frankher's eyes brighten but he closes them right after. He had forgotten about it. But that's a point that cannot be overlooked. After all, if the Longinus or worse, a dragon comes out while the army is in the city, they will be wiped out without a chance to retaliate. At least, if they are still outside, some of them might survive. 

"I see. Indeed, I forgot that they could also call for reinforcements." 

"See?!! This is exactly why I said we should wait for the heroes! This is suicide!!"

"Ah, shut up already." This guy is so dramatic. "I only said we should wait a little and observe. If they do open a portal while the army is waiting outside, won't it be easier to take care of whatever comes out with the mortars?" 

"Even so, we will suffer incredible losses." 

"Weren't you guys prepared for this when you came here?" That's a very good question, Frankher. 

"We…we were, sir. But still, try to understand. Most of them, most of us have families and-"

"And so do I. In fact, my little girl is fighting out there when she should be enjoying her youth without a worry for her future. My pupils are here as well, risking their lives for the sake of those families. What more do you want me to give?!" 

"…" Yup, that shut them up good alright. Frankher just slams down the hammer of responsibility on them, and it stroke like thunder. 

"So, what will do, Sir?" 

"We will wait, Star of mercuria. But no more than an hour. If by then, no portal has been opened, we will enter the city and secure it. If one does open, the mortars will have to fire, though we hoped to preserve the city and gives you guys time to join us back." 

"Don't worry about that, sir." 

"I will try not to. Now, for the other teams…" 

***

After the meeting, I go and stay with Willhem. K'nor is sleeping a bit far from him, next to our tent. He looks peaceful as always. 

"So, tomorrow is the big day?" He greets me with a smile. He must have guessed what is going to happen from my face.

"Yeah, they want us to face the hammer hands with only three more people."

"That's not a lot." 

"Yup, it is not." 

"You think we can do it." 

"We have to. Though if Tatiana wasn't in the way, it would be a lot easier." 

"Wait, you fear her more than the hammer hands." 

"I guess so." 

"Fufufu. Don't worry then, I will take care of her for you." 

"Nope, never, she is mine. And mine alone." 

"And why is that?" 

"Because everything began with her. My parents abandoned me because she betrayed us and burned down our village." 

"Oh…Well, she was never known for being loyal." 

"Yup, she did tried to kill her own mother." 

"You heard of that too?" 

"Her own mother told me. And while smiling at that. A whole bunch of degenerates they are."

"Pfft. Well, they never cared about what people thought of them so I can probably understand." 

"Willhem…" 

"Yeah?" 

"Don't participate tomorrow." 

"Eh? Why?" 

"If I die, I want you to take care of K'nor for me." 

"In your dreams, who has the money to take care of such a huge-ass dog." 

"He is not a dog. Though, yeah. I knew you would refuse." 

"Of course I refuse. How can I miss the chance to pay her back for what she did." 

"Yeah, how can we, right? Maybe it is my chance as well, to tell the truth." 

"What do you mean?" 

"No, it's nothing." 

It's okay. Once this war ends, I will tell them. Especially to those shitty parents of mine.