Chapter 48: Scouting Invitational Tournament (4)
Sunlight spilled through stained glass windows, casting vibrant shades on the polished floor of the meeting room. An uneasy silence crackled in the air, broken only by the nervous coughs of young students waiting in the arena below.
Around the long round table, ten figures, the guild leaders, sat patiently waiting for the reason they were summoned. President Milio Idris rose, his weathered face now etched with worry.
"Guild leaders," he began, his voice echoing through the room, "Over the years the towers that stood dormant after the 2nd outbreak have been closed off ever since."
A collective murmur rippled through the hall. Each leader recalled the stories whispered in hushed tones as the previous top-class heroes of guilds perished in their quest to conquer the 4 towers.
"Years of investigation produced very little," Milio continued, his voice heavy. "These structures, immune to external attacks, remained impenetrable. But now, a chilling message has been deciphered from within a warning ." "Should the tower remain untouched within 4 years a great calamity will befall humanity."
Yuka Azira, the leader of the Legion New Force, slammed her fist on the table. "Four years to avert a calamity? Why now, after years of silence?"
Milio's expression remained grim. "We couldn't afford to lose any more heroes after the loss of The Great Hero Garrick."
What seemed like an outburst that was about to break out was silenced by a single name.
The Great Hero Garrick also known as the first great hero of old, was the first 6 elemental swordsman ever and the last.
What Garrick did was something you could only witness once in a lifetime as he could wield and manipulate all types of elements at will. Yet the death of the early hero caused an overwhelming concern around the world at the time.
During that time of Garrick's passing, there were stories about his death being rumoured that he had sacrificed himself at the top of the floor to save his guild at the time. But neither of them had made it out of the tower...
As sparked debates of who was stronger between Garrick and Dawn, it was only a mere implication that he was most certainly stronger but insisted that Dawn would easily win.
Milio continued, "With any information we have on the 4 towers across the world It seems each one is almost different from the others. But from what we've gained from each tower we've deemed a name appropriate for each one." As everyone tuned into what Milio had for each name he showed a hologram for each tower.
"Though all 4 towers look the same from the outside. The inside is where everything changes.
the first tower was located Southeast placed in between Australia and Tasmania this was the tower called the Tower of Destruction, The next tower from the top of the world was located Northwest above the United States the Tower of Chaos, At the very centre of the Atlantic Ocean between South America and Africa was The Tower Of Abyss, and the final tower lays in the centre of the Arctic Ocean is the Tower Of Evil."
Gerrard Freya, of the Miracles Guild, chuckled softly, his weathered face crossing his amusement. "So they're basically in the four corners of the world," Gerrard said.
"Correct," Milio finished, his voice heavy. "But even so I urge before we open the barriers of these towers. Please make sure that you are prepared for what's within ensure that if you go now, or in the next few years, make sure that humanity comes out victorious."
"Me and Gerrard are old after all I think we can still kick the boot around for another year or two" Kang announced as he locked eyes with Gerrard.
Julian George II of the Van Guardians Forge, spoke for the first time, his voice deep and unwavering. "And what if we fail, Mr. President? Can we bear the cost of another failure?"
"Failure is not an option, Julian," Milio declared, his gaze sweeping across the hall. "The fate of our world hangs in the balance. We must act, and we must act together. Are you willing to join this pact, to face the challenges the towers hold? Are you willing to ensure the next generation holds the key to our survival?"
Silence blanketed the hall as each leader weighed the heavy task. The echoes of history whispered warnings and the weight of countless lives rested on their shoulders.
The decisions they made today would shape the future, not just of their guilds, but of the entire world.
The silence in the room grew heavy, thick with the weight of the President's words. Each guild leader grappled with the gravity of the decision, the enormity of the task, and the potential cost of death. Finally, Yuka Azira slammed her fist onto the table, breaking the tense quiet.
"I say we act, and act decisively!" she declared, her voice ringing with fiery conviction. "The Legion New Force is willing to take the lead. I'll participate in the towers conquest."
A slow nod from Julian George II followed. "I agree with Azira. I think if it's for humanity then It should only be fair that I go to..."
The murmur of agreement spread, rippling through the hall. Yet, some faces remained hesitant. Oberon Starcaster, leader of the Infra Tech Innovators, spoke with cautious scepticism.
"While I admire your enthusiasm, President," he began, his voice measured, "we must approach this with careful planning. Rushing into these towers blindly could spell disaster. Perhaps a reconnaissance mission, a team to gather intel…"
Gerrard Freya ever chuckled with a glint in his eyes. "Ah, Oberon, always the voice of reason, even in the face of impending doom! But fear not, my friend. Where others see danger, I see opportunity. These towers, dormant for so long, may hide secrets beyond our wildest imaginings. Knowledge worth the risk, wouldn't you agree?"
His words sparked a flicker of excitement in some, while others still wore expressions of concern. Milio raised a hand, silencing the chatter.
"Your passion is commendable, guild leaders," he said, his voice firm yet laced with urgency, "but remember, time is not on our side. We need people willing to enter these towers under harsh conditions, Who among you is willing to dedicate your guild's finest members to this task?"
A tense silence ensued. Each leader exchanged cautious glances, weighing the risks and the potential rewards. Finally, Yuka spoke once more, her voice resolute.
"The Legion New Force volunteers for the Tower of Destruction!" she declared, her gaze unwavering. "We will face its challenges head-on and emerge stronger."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the hall. The Tower of Destruction not much is known about these towers but their names speak levels to be called such a thing.
Julian followed suit, his voice steady. "The Van Guardians Forge will participate in the Tower of Chaos."
Gerrard's old but still kicking with fire. "Leave the mysteries of the Tower of Abyss to the Miracles Guild, President. I'd like to avenge my old instructor from long ago."
Oberon remained thoughtful, a frown creasing his brow. He thought to himself as each tower could be assumed as ruthless and maybe even worse than S-class dungeons, with the most troubling aspect he knew gathering Intel was pointless Yet, he knew inaction was not an option.
"The Infra Tech Innovators," he finally declared, his voice firm, "will delve into the Tower of Evil."
As each leader declared their intent, a sense of purpose, mixed with trepidation, filled the Room. Milio nodded, a flicker of hope lighting his eyes.
"Then it is decided," he announced. "Each guild will prepare for the towers in our next meeting. The date is still undecided so when the time comes that we fight for the sake of humanity we do it to pave the way for a brighter future."
The meeting adjourned, leaving a charged atmosphere in its wake.
Milio smiled faintly. "Today marks the Pinnacle Academies Invitational Scouting event, a day where we witness the next generation of heroes take their first steps. Observe them closely, for among them may lie the heroes who will one day stand at the gates of those imposing towers."
A wave of understanding rippled through the leaders. Their focus shifted from the distant threat to the hopeful spectacle below. Gerrard Freya, always eager for a show, chuckled.
"Indeed, President. Perhaps a glimpse of these bright stars will remind us why we fight."
The other leaders nodded, their expressions softening. Oberon Starcaster adjusted his glasses, a spark of curiosity igniting in his eyes.
Milio gestured towards the arena. "So, enjoy the festivities, guild leaders. Witness the potential, the raw talent that will one day shape our world. Remember, even in the face of adversity, hope endures. And it is that hope that will guide us through the coming darkness."
With a final wave, Milio turned left the room, leaving the guild leaders to their thoughts. Each one carried the weight of the decision made.
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Authors Notes:
- Garrick subjugated over 50+ S Class dungeons during the golden era of dungeons.
- When Gerrard mentions he'd like to avenge an old instructor from long ago he's referring to Garrick who was his instructor back in the day of his youth.
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If you guys want lore of any of the old characters feel free to ask I'd be glad to explain them in the auxiliary volume 😀
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