Kapitel 11: Building Dreams

Homes lay in smoldering ruins, reduced to nothing more than charred remains. The once bustling streets of Cardinal Peaks now resembled a ghost town, with debris and destruction marking the aftermath of the zak'nagi attack.

The townsfolk emerged from their hiding places, their faces indicating exhaustion and grief. They had fought valiantly, defending their homes and loved ones with their Gears. The people of Cardinal Peaks had shown determination and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

But victory came at a cost. The toll of the zak'nagi attack was evident in the somber expressions and tear-stained cheeks of those who had lost everything. Lives had been shattered, families torn apart, and a sense of security obliterated.

As the townsfolk gathered amidst the ruins, a heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the occasional whimper of a survivor or the distant sound of crumbling structures. The devastation was a stark reminder of the merciless force that had descended upon them.

Yet, through the pain and despair, a flicker of hope remained. The spirit of the community endured, as they banded together to support one another, offering aid to those in need. In the midst of ruins, they found strength in unity and determined to rebuild what had been lost.

Slowly, with determination as their guide, the people of Cardinal Peaks began the daunting task of salvaging what they could and rebuilding their lives. The road ahead was demanding, but their spirit would not be extinguished.

In the weeks and months that followed, the once, thriving town began to rise from the ashes. Homes were reconstructed, businesses reopened, and the scars of the attack slowly began to heal. Through their collective efforts, Cardinal Peaks emerged stronger than ever before.

The zak'nagi attack had left its mark on the town, and the wounds would never fully fade. But the people of Cardinal Peaks refused to let fear and despair define them. They forged ahead, with determination in their hearts, vowing to rebuild their lives and protect their beloved town from any future threats.

The town had been tested, but it had not been defeated. As the sun began to set on the horizon, a new chapter beckoned, one filled with hope, strength, and the unwavering spirit of a community that refused to be broken.

The people of Cardinal Peaks turned to their champion for dreams of salvation. Unanimously appointed as the one to lead them, Rachmat Sulong, better known by the name Raja Rimba was chosen to be their next mayor.

With a daunting task at his hands, Mayor Rachmat gathered all the surviving members of Mythrilius Exodia, the guild he formerly represented. A discussion took place within the crumbled structure of the guild hall.

The atmosphere within the crumbled structure of the guild hall was heavy with determination and a glimmer of hope as Mayor Rachmat stood before the surviving members of Mythrilius Exodia, his trusted companions in battles past.

They had fought together against the zak'nagi menace, and now their skills and expertise were needed more than ever to rebuild and protect Cardinal Peaks. The hall, once a symbol of strength and unity, now mirrored the shattered state of the town itself.

Mayor Rachmat's voice cut through the silence, filled with resolve and determination.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"My friends, we stand at a crossroads."

"The zak'nagi attack has left our town in ruins, but it has not broken our spirit."

"Together, we will rebuild Cardinal Peaks and ensure its safety for generations to come."

The surviving members of Mythrilius Exodia nodded, their eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and loyalty. They had witnessed Raja Rimba's leadership firsthand, and they knew that he possessed the strength and vision needed for such a monumental task.

One by one, the guild members spoke, sharing their ideas and strategies for rebuilding. They discussed ways to fortify the town's defenses, establish communication networks, and provide aid to those affected by the attack.

Each suggestion was met with thoughtful consideration, knowing that the decisions made in this room would shape the future of Cardinal Peaks. No stone was left unturned.

As the discussion continued, a sense of unity and purpose overwhelmed the hall. Despite the destruction around them, a new sense of hope began to stir. They were not alone in this endeavor; they had each other and the support of the entire community.

"We are the guardians of Cardinal Peaks, and we shall not rest until our town is restored and thriving once again."

"Together, we will rise above the ashes and create a future that surpasses even our wildest dreams."

Mayor Rachmat's words resonated with determination and inspiration, echoing through the halls.

With renewed determination, Mythrilius Exodia and the people of Cardinal Peaks embarked on their journey of rebuilding. It was a challenging journey, but they knew that as long as they stood together, nothing could break their resolve.

◈◈◈

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"We are short of hands."

"Most of the townsfolk are either injured or too fatigued to offer any kind of help..."

"And the relief from the capital is months away. Any ideas?"

「 Jengo 」

"Maybe the loxodars in the Tremaux Dynasty could help us?"

"They are very reliable when it comes to labor."

"I think I know someone from one of the guilds there."

As a former gladiator and one of the guild's forgehand, Zanno's father was also invited by the mayor to form the temporary town council. Jengo was his arena's name before he decided to marry Olivia and retire.

「 Master Raneeya 」

"Even though it pains me to say this, I think you should find someone with technological expertise to rebuild the town."

"It will be faster that way. Rebuilding the whole town using just magic is too time-consuming..."

"And we can't afford another surprise attack."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Are you sure Master Raneeya?"

"I know how much you hate the Gears..."

「 Master Raneeya 」

"If it is in the interest of the town, I am willing to overlook the matter."

"Maybe Nath could help us in that department?"

「 Nathkin Cole 」

"I believe I could pull some strings..."

Mayor Rachmat took a moment to contemplate their suggestions, realizing the urgency of the situation. The townsfolk's fatigue and injuries meant that quick and efficient assistance was necessary.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Thank you for the insights and recommendations."

"It seems we have multiple avenues to explore in our quest for help."

"Let us take action swiftly to rebuild Cardinal Peaks."

「 Jengo 」

"I will contact my friend from the dynasty and explain our situation."

"With their reliability and strength, the loxodars could provide the much-needed labor to expedite our rebuilding efforts."

Jengo, having retired from his gladiator days, pondered on Raneeya's suggestion and agreed with her assessment as well.

"Master Raneeya also has a point."

"While magic is powerful, it might be more time-consuming to rely solely on it for the reconstruction."

"Finding someone with technological expertise could bring efficiency and speed to our efforts."

"We should explore this option as well."

Mayor Rachmat nodded in agreement, acknowledging the validity of Raneeya's concerns and the importance of pragmatism in this situation.

With a plan taking shape, Mayor Rachmat and the temporary town council began reaching out to potential allies, both within the Tremaux Dynasty and beyond, seeking skilled labor, technological expertise, and any other assistance they could find.

The reconstruction of the town went well as progress was made under the leadership of Lord Mormont Deveraux of the Marque de Ivory Guild. The loxodars from the Tremaux Dynasty were working alongside the townsfolk like a well-oiled machine, building structures piece by piece with meticulous attention to detail.

The scene almost resembles a symphony, with each member of the team playing their part perfectly to create a harmonious whole. It's as if they are all dancing to the same beat, following a strict schedule that keeps them all in sync.

Nathkin's invitation to a technological expert from the Rykan Isles proved to be a game-changer in the rebuilding process. Oswald Brodley, a seasoned expert and one of Nathkin's long-standing acquaintances, brought with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise, akin to a master craftsman with an intricate set of tools.

The modern techniques and steam-powered machinery he introduced to the reconstruction efforts expedited the process, helping the bonecan workers he brought along to work with greater precision and efficiency. Together, they formed the formidable guild known as Dreadnaught, which proved to be a driving force behind the successful rebuilding of the town.

With their guidance, buildings took shape at an accelerated pace, ensuring Cardinal Peaks would be restored before the next threat could arise. The collaboration between the three guilds and the townspeople proved to be a winning formula. The physical labor of the loxodars combined with the efficiency of the technology allowed for a faster, more effective reconstruction.

As the town began to take shape once again, wounds were healed, both physically and mentally. The unity and determination of the townsfolk, alongside the support that was brought in, not only rebuilt Cardinal Peaks but also strengthened the bonds within the community.

Finally, as the last touches were put in place, Mayor Rachmat stood before the newly restored town square of Cardinal Peaks, addressing its people.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Today we stand in the shadow of our past, but we have emerged stronger, united, and filled with hope for the future."

"The challenges we faced tested our limits, but they did not break our spirit."

"We have rebuilt our homes, but more importantly, we have rebuilt our community."

"Let this be a testament to our unwavering resolve and the power of coming together in times of adversity."

"Cardinal Peaks, you have risen above the ashes, and there is nothing that can extinguish our spirit."

Mythrilius Exodia had agreed to divide the right to the mines equally among the guilds as reparation for their help, separating the mining district into three. The decision regarding the division of the mining district was a significant step towards fairness and collaboration among the people of Cardinal Peaks.

"Mythrilius Exodia also proposed that the right to the mines be divided equally among the guilds of Cardinal Peaks."

"This reparation acknowledges the sacrifices you have made and ensures that the resources of our precious town are shared fairly."

The townsfolk erupted in cheers, acknowledging the justness of the proposed division. The unity that had been forged during the rebuilding process extended to this moment, as the people recognized the importance of working together for the betterment of their community.

The mayor continued his address, his voice filled with pride and hope.

"Let this be a symbol of our commitment to unity and collaboration."

"With the resources from the mines, we can continue to grow and prosper as a community."

"Together, we will build a future that surpasses even our wildest dreams."

The people of Cardinal Peaks, both guild members and townsfolk alike, embraced this new chapter with open hearts and renewed determination. They understood that the fair distribution of resources would contribute to the overall success and well-being of their community.

After the division of the mines concluded, the inhabitants of Cardinal Peaks continued their celebrations late into the night. They danced and sang under the starry sky to mark the end of their journey to rebuild their community. This experience had brought them together and strengthened their bond, and now they were excited about a future full of possibilities and prosperity.

Hopes were fulfilled that day, but one eluded. Gazing upon his destroyed aviary, Zanno was devastated. Zanno couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss. The aviary had been his haven, a place of tranquility where he found peace.

As the celebrations continued around him, Zanno couldn't find it within himself to join in the merriment. Despite everything that the town had achieved, Zanno had to return to the confinement of his room, as his condition was still not dealt with. His blood still oozed with zak'nagi parasites like before.

Zanno's personal battle remained unresolved. The confinement of his room became a symbol of his isolation, as he grappled with the debilitating effects of the parasites.

In tears, he looked toward the sky through the windows of his room and uttered something that would make him regret later.

「 Zanno 」

"Why me?"

Zanno started to feel uncomfortable moments after saying those two words. His body started to exude intense heat as if his blood was starting to boil. As his words hung in the air, a strange and unsettling sensation flowed over him.

His body began to radiate an intense heat, causing sweat to bead on his forehead. Confusion and fear crept into his mind as he realized that something was terribly wrong.

The room now felt stifling and oppressive. The air became thick with an eerie stillness as if time itself held its breath. Zanno's heart raced, his pulse pounding in his ears, as the heat within him intensified.

He stumbled backward, falling out of his wheelchair. His back pressed against the wall, seeking any relief from the mounting discomfort. But there was none to be found. The heat seemed to consume him from within as if an inferno raged beneath his skin.

In that moment of desperation, Zanno realized the weight of his words. The question, "Why me?" had been infused with a power he had never anticipated. It had become a catalyst, inviting forces unknown to intertwine with his fate.

With every passing second, the heat grew more unbearable. Zanno's skin flushed crimson, sweat pouring down his face and body. It was as if the very essence of his being was being consumed by the searing heat.

Regret gnawed at the edges of his consciousness. If only he could take back those two words, and escape the consequences they had brought upon him. But it was too late. He was trapped in a torment of his own making.

Desperate, Zanno fell to his knees, his voice choked with anguish.

「 Zanno 」

"I... I take it back!"

"Please, I didn't mean it!!!"

But his pleas fell on deaf ears. The intensity of the heat only grew stronger, blurring his vision and clouding his thoughts. It was as if the room itself had transformed into a furnace, sealing him within its fiery grip.

As he writhed in agony, Zanno realized the true cost of his words. In tears and filled with regret, Zanno could only hope for salvation from the consequences of his ill-fated question. But as the heat continued to intensify, engulfing him in its relentless embrace, he knew that his plea for release might go unanswered.

Zanno had already given up before he saw his father smashed the door to his room and rushed toward him. Jengo quickly grabbed his son and whispered something to his ears. Something that he should have taught his son sooner.

「 Jengo 」

"Pray, my son."

"Pray and ask for His forgiveness..."