The next day came and Crownless Unity was training once again their dedication and resolve were like no other their faces had a look of bitterness they were finally ready to come out of hiding to finally finish their mission
The scene shifts from the training ground to the Crownless Unity base
Acki was sitting at the dining hall eating a bowl of soup Crimson walked towards the table holding a bowl of soup as well
Acki had a faint smile on his face
Acki: Surprised to see you're not training
Crimson: I was just about to head to the training grounds after I ate the battle with Thorin was intense
He scratched the back of his neck with a faint smile
Acki: Come sit next to me let's chat more
Crimson accepted sitting next to Acki as they ate Acki broke the silence
Acki: Well.. Uhh… Crimson do you think I did the right thing?
Crimson looking a bit confused didn't know how to answer his question he didn't know what was Acki talking about
Crimson: what thing?
Acki: You know how we've been hiding out here for a pretty long time right? I just thought maybe it would've been smarter to train as we freed the nation of its corruption
Crimson thought for a moment then responded
Crimson: You made the right choice Cheif If we did go out and tried to free the nation back then we would've been caught within 3 days we were simply too weak the whole team would held you back
Acki froze
Acki: it just terrifies me to think about all the people that lost their freedom or lives while we were out here…
Acki had a dark look in his eyes
Crimson: yeah it is terrifying… but I know for a fact that once we're done with our training we’ll save more lives than we ever could've back then and that includes our lives as well
Ackis's dark look faded
Acki: yeah… I guess you're right
As they finished eating Crimson headed to the training grounds while Acki went to his room when he entered his room he sat on his bed lost in thought
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Ackis thoughts: are we ready? Can I lead them? Am I strong enough? Am I capable enough?…. Am I… ready? No, I'm too weak too frail I can't lead them if I can't even make a decision this simple… No, it is not a simple decision what if I lead them to their graves and all of them did cause of me… am I able to do that…
Acki had been nervous about leading Crownless Unity ever since he grew closer to them he didn't see them as allies anymore he saw them as something more… he saw them as a family he was scared to make a mistake and lead his family to certain death and to be left alone once again… Ackis eyes bloomed a light as he remembered the promise to Ian
Ackis thoughts: No none of this nonsense anymore You have to get back on track you can't let fear make you break the promise you made to teach… I promised I'd be the strongest and that I'd make my name known throughout the world hell and heavens I can't be afraid of anything… not even losing the family I've made… No, I'll protect them along with my dream I won't let anything make me lose focus on my promise
As Acki finally found the confidence he had once lost he made up his mind and stood up his face showing no fear of the path that was ahead of him he left his room running straight to the training grounds when he got there he yelled out to everyone
Acki: Stop what you are doing and follow me!
Everyone was confused about what was happening though they obeyed and dropped their weapons and followed Acki the whole team was in confusion Acki had never done this before the chatter throughout the team was various some thought maybe it was about his health others thought he was going to make them train harder little did they know Acki was about to begin their mission Acki had lead them to the front of the base where he had placed wooden boxes which he had climbed on and started his speech
Acki: it had been two years since we've started our training everyday was a living hell training until we coughed blood and cried out to our mothers for help though we laughed and fought through the pain I'm proud to say you've all grown so much that it has exceeded my exemptions I severely underestimated the all of you thinking that I was a fool for choosing to save everyone but my eyes have been opened and now I know I would've been the biggest fool throughout earth and hell with that I am announcing… in three days we will be starting our mission of freeing the nation of its corruption and free our loved ones who are the victims of this nations corruption and now with that I have to say that I can't lead all of you by myself and I will be choosing three of you as my generals that will command the rest of the branches these select three will be carefully picked out insuring that we only get the best and the first one to be nominated to this rank is Thorin he displayed leadership and courage like no other his devotion is like no additional to him I will be giving this rank to Crimson He displayed true resolve training absolutely everyday and with each passing day he trained he was the most to show progress not and I firmly believe Crimson has the most potential out of all of you For the third general… I cannot decide this on my own. I believe the one who earns this title should prove their worth in front of everyone. Therefore, we will hold a contest to determine who deserves it. This contest will test not only your strength but also your endurance, leadership, and resolve the very qualities that make a general The contest will begin tomorrow at sunrise. Only those who believe they are capable of leading should participate. This is not just about strength this is about heart, dedication, and your ability to inspire others to follow you. Do not enter unless you are ready to shoulder the burden of leadership.
A wave of shock swept through the group. Some looked determined, others surprised, and a few exchanged glances of excitement.
Thorin stepped forward, his arms crossed with a smirk.
Thorin: Finally, some action I've been dying to set out for so long.
Crimson nodded in agreement, his expression calm but focused.
Crimson: I agree though this is a huge shock to all of us but somehow I feel like this was predictable.
Asha furrowed her brows, her voice steady but concerned.
Asha: Are you sure this is the best way to choose a leader? Strength isn’t everything, Acki.
Acki turned to her, his gaze firm yet understanding.
Acki: You’re right, Asha. That’s why this contest won’t just test strength. It will test decision-making, teamwork, and the ability to push forward at all costs.
The group began to exchange whispers, some already mentally preparing for the challenge.
A young recruit, barely older than 18, raised his hand hesitantly.
Recruit: Chief, will strength be the primary factor in the decision?
Acki: Yes and no, a leader must be strong to show others that he is worthy of leading, but what's a leader without strategy or willpower? In my humble opinion, that's just ineffective.
The recruits straightened, their determination renewed. Some clenched their fists, others exchanged challenging glances.
Thorin chuckled, leaning toward Crimson.
Thorin: Think anyone’s gonna surprise us?
Crimson smirked faintly.
Crimson: We'll see. But I hope whoever earns it can handle fighting alongside us. This isn't just training anymore it's a real fight now
Acki took a step down from the wooden box, his voice loud and commanding.
Acki: Rest up tonight and prepare yourselves. Tomorrow, the contest begins. Show me what you've all been training for.
The group erupted in cheers, their spirits high as they went back to training. Acki stayed behind, watching as his team buzzed with excitement and anticipation.
Acki’s thoughts: This is the first step. So much more awaits us the real journey finally starts.
As the team prepared for the next day, the atmosphere shifted. Excitement filled the air, but so did tension. The contest would push Crownless Unity to its limits and reveal the true leaders among them.
