Leaving Terra (V)

Vlad smiled, relieved that the logistical and manpower issues had been addressed, before turning his gaze toward the golden giant who stood nearby.

As he looked at Anglius, Vlad could not help recalling the first time he had met the man. It was only a few days after the world had spiraled into apocalyptic chaos. Even then, Anglius—no more than a Mortal Warrior without any special weaponry—had stood proudly upon a wall beside his fellow soldiers, facing down a charging horde of demons. He possessed neither grand powers nor legendary artifacts, yet he served as an unwavering pillar of morale for his people.

Now, that same mortal warrior had evolved into one of the most formidable leaders in the Xaos Kingdom, literally a colossal golden giant as tall as a building. Vlad exhaled softly, reflecting on just how much both men—and the entire world—had changed since those early days.