Chapter 41: On the way to the Last Refuge base
In the frozen desert, where the cutting wind echoed among the ruined structures, the Last Refuge base stood like a solitary bastion against the dragons' invasion. Once a haven of hope, it was now reduced to half of its original structures, bearing witness to the numerous attacks it had suffered. Its corridors were labyrinths of frozen ruins, where the frigid silence was only broken by the wind's lament and the distant screeches of winged creatures.
And it was to this very place that Kowalski led his group, whom he considered each one a hero. They followed in their vehicles with unwavering determination, as Kowalski guided them through the debris and remnants of past battles.
By his side, Thilláila kept her mind focused, ready for any challenge that arose. Gareno, in another vehicle, always vigilant, kept his senses sharpened in the face of the imminent presence of dragons.
In a compartment farther away, Troy, the mascot dragon, agile and cunning, observed everything, evaluating each move within his range of action.
Next to the vehicle carrying Troy, Dr. Kami, as they had begun to affectionately call him, was attentive to any detail of that region that was new to him. Even farther away, accompanied by over a hundred dreikis, was Kowalski's "Drakissa bride."
The journey took almost two hours, and whether by luck or having a queen dreikis accompanying them, even from a distance, there were no route accidents.
"Thilláila, I've already warned everyone, especially you, but I strongly recommend that you refrain from making sudden, unnecessary movements when we arrive at the Last Refuge base," Kowalski said.
"I know, Mr. Kowalski. Everyone will definitely be suspicious and fearful of receiving a visit from such a strange group as ours. And I don't even know why we're offering our help to an army that was defeated by the dragons."
Kowalski just listened and said nothing. This was not a topic worth discussing with Thilláila.
"You'll understand soon, Thilláila. Tell our friends that we'll be arriving in 15 minutes. Instruct them to keep their distance, wait in position, and await instructions."
Quickly, Thilláila communicated between them and began preparing for the upcoming moment, an encounter of ranks where each one was an expert in their field. She was not afraid, she trusted in Kowalski's decisions, and knew they could face that situation well. After all, at that time, nothing was more dangerous than confronting and defeating dragons, as they had done.
"So, this will be much easier!", Thilláila thought, with a brief smile.
"Don't think it will be easy just because we can defeat some dragons, Thilláila. And before you ask, I'm not psychic. But because of that smile, I can perfectly guess your thoughts."
Thilláila stared at Kowalski in surprise. How did he guess her thoughts in that way?
"And why won't it be easy, Mr. Kowalski?" Thilláila asked, more than curious.
"Because we have to convince them that we want to help them. And unless a dragon appears around here and we can show that we can defeat it...
"I thought dragons were more dangerous than people, Mr. Kowalski."
"Yes, Thilláila, unless it's ordinary people confronting people with titles. In that case, things change."
"What will we do if your plan to gather allies doesn't work out?" Thilláila asked, looking at him.
"Understand one thing, my dear Thilláila, this plan has to work, with Colonel Cleaner's help or without it. I have great esteem and respect for him, but compared to bringing freedom to the people surviving under tunnels and rubble, that means nothing. So be prepared for the worst, the toughest."
"But that's not pessimism, Mr. Kowalski?"
"No! That's called 'a new option available in my range of possibilities'."
"Wasn't it easier for you to say 'opportunities'?"
Kowalski smiled. That young woman was increasingly following his line of reasoning. And that was good.
"The important thing is that you understand me, don't you?" Kowalski asked, with a half-smile at the corner of his mouth.
And sharing that moment, the young woman also smiled.
"Perfectly, Mr. Kowalski."
And they directed their attention forward, as the entrance to the base was now visible.
"May I ask a favor, Mr. Kowalski?" Thilláila asked, making a ridiculously cute face to avoid having her request refused.
"Whatever I'm able to do, Thilláila, just ask."
And, suddenly grabbing the old soldier's hand, she said:
"Please! Try not to die. We still have many places to go."
"I'll try, Thilláila. I swear I will try."
"That's not what I want to hear, Mr. Kowalski. I want you to promise me you will survive, one way or another."
Suddenly, Kowalski felt a pressure on his head as his eyes began to burn.
"Calm down, Thilláila. Keep your power for the right moment. There's no need to get anxious like that. Besides, we all have our day to leave this world."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Kowalski. I just want you to survive."
"And what will you do if, by chance, I can't?"
"Then, I won't leave any soldier alive."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone