Chapter 27: "A New Beginning"

I stood alone in the dimly lit room with Deborah.

The weight of our recent victory hung in the air, but there was still much to be done.

I needed to ensure the future of our group, and that meant making important decisions now.

"Deborah," I began, my voice steady but filled with the gravity of the situation, "I need to tell you everything."

She looked at me with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "What do you mean, Ace?"

"I have a safe place," I said, taking a deep breath. "It's more than just a hideout. It's a country. My own kingdom."

Deborah's eyes widened, but she remained silent, letting me continue.

"It's taken a lot of work to build, and it's far from complete.

There's still so much to do.

Infrastructure, governance, trade... it's overwhelming at times." I paused, studying her face.

"I need someone I can trust to help manage it all, someone who excels in people management.

That's why I want you to be the president of this new country."

She stared at me, stunned. "Me?

President?"

"Yes," I affirmed.

"When I infiltrated this place at first i noticed how bad the condition were and the first impression suck i must admit... but as i spent more time here, I understood something important.

Thanks to you, all these people survived even with low supplies and a lot of empty stomachs.

You managed to keep everyone together and alive, even in dire times."

Deborah's eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and pride. "But... Ace, are you sure? This is a huge responsibility."

"I am sure," I replied.

"You've proven time and again that you can rally people, lead them, and make the hard decisions.

With a strong team supporting you and me at your side, the kingdom will flourish under our guidance.

I'll focus on investing in trade, arms production, and export etc...

But I need someone on the ground who can keep things running smoothly, someone who can manage the day-to-day affairs and ensure our people thrive."

Deborah was silent for a moment, processing what I had said. Then she nodded, a determined look in her eyes. "I'll do it, Ace. I'll take on the responsibility."

A sense of relief washed over me. "Thank you, Deborah. I knew I could count on you."

She smiled, though it was tinged with the weight of the task ahead. "We'll make this work, Ace."

I nodded, feeling more confident about the future.

With Deborah at the helm, I knew our kingdom had now gained a top notch edge in politic and people management expertise.

"One more thing," I added.

"Arrange a feast tonight.

It's important that everyone hears this news together.

I want you to announce it to everyone.

Let them know that the decision to join us is entirely their own.

They can choose freely."

But i can promise one thing for sure,

Deborah nodded, understanding the importance of transparency and unity.

"I'll handle it, Ace.

We'll make it a night to remember."

With that, she left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Tonight would mark the beginning of a new chapter for all of us.

The sadness I had been pushing away started to sneak in, filling the quiet space around me.

I had made so many sacrifices, and the burden of responsibility was heavy.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps.

I looked up just in time to see Hiro and Emi rushing toward me, their faces lit up with joy.

"We miss you, big bro!" they screamed in unison, their voices filled with genuine happiness and relief.

Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile despite the heaviness in my heart.

I knelt down and opened my arms, catching them as they barreled into me, wrapping their small arms around my neck.

"I missed you guys too," I said, my voice cracking slightly.

"I'm so glad to see you both safe."

Hiro pulled back slightly, looking up at me with wide eyes.

"Big bro, are you okay?

You look sad."

Emi nodded, her small hand patting my cheek.

"Yeah, you don't look happy.

We want you to be happy."

I took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of their concern.

"I'm okay, really.

Just thinking about everything we need to do to keep everyone safe."

Hiro tilted his head, a determined look on his face.

"We'll help, big bro.

We're strong, just like you."

Emi nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah! We'll do anything to help you."

Their words filled me with a renewed sense of purpose.

These kids had been through so much, yet their spirits remained unbroken.

They were a reminder of why I fought so hard, why I took on these responsibilities.

"Thank you, both of you," I said, hugging them tightly.

"Your support means the world to me."

Hiro grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"So, what do we do now, big bro? How can we help?"

I smiled, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.

"Well, first, we have a feast to prepare for tonight.

I need you both to help spread the word and make sure everyone knows about it."

Emi clapped her hands, her excitement palpable.

"A feast! Yay! We'll tell everyone!"

As they ran off to share the news, I watched them go, my heart feeling lighter.

The sadness still lingered, a hollow echo in the depths of my soul.

Vengeance had been achieved, but only sadness remained.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and before I knew it, they were streaming down my cheeks.

I cried my heart out, the weight of my grief too much to bear alone.

Suddenly, I felt a warm, soft embrace.

Someone hugged me tightly, and the familiar scent brought a sense of comfort.

Pamela Lou. In silent understanding, she just held me as I broke down.

"I didn't make it in time," I sobbed. "Fuck, she's dead. My mom... she's dead."

I kept going, the words tumbling out between ragged breaths.

"I tried so hard, but it wasn't enough. I couldn't save her."

Pamela's embrace tightened, and she whispered softly, "It's okay, Ace. It's okay to let it out. I'm here for you."

Her words, her presence, gave me a small measure of solace.

I buried my face in her shoulder, letting the tears flow freely.

She didn't try to shush me or tell me everything would be alright.

She just held me, allowing me to grieve, to release the pent-up sorrow and guilt.

In that moment, I realized that even in the darkest times, there were still people who cared for me still, people who understood.

As the evening settled in, the hall filled with the murmurs of anticipation.

The makeshift stage at the front was lit by torches and lanterns, casting a warm glow over the gathered crowd.

Deborah stepped up, her presence commanding the attention of everyone present.

"Friends, survivors," she began, her voice clear and strong.

"Tonight, we stand on the brink of a new beginning.

For too long, we have struggled, scavenging for scraps, fighting to survive in a world that seems determined to break us."

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. The crowd was silent, hanging on her every word.

"But tonight," she continued, "we celebrate not just our survival, but our resilience.

We celebrate the strength that has brought us through the darkest of times.

And we celebrate the hope that has been rekindled in our hearts, thanks to a man who has shown us that there is still a future worth fighting for."

Deborah glanced at me, and I nodded, encouraging her to go on.

"Ace," she said, her voice filled with admiration, "has come into our lives and brought with him a vision.

A vision of a united people, stronger together than we ever could be apart.

He has offered us more than just food and protection; he has offered us a chance to rebuild, to reclaim our lives, and to create something better for ourselves and our children."

The crowd murmured in agreement, their faces lighting up with hope and determination.

"With both our leadership and the resources he brings," Deborah continued, "we can merge with his people and work together to build a new safer future.

A future where we do not starve, where we do not live in fear, but where we thrive and grow.

As long as we contribute, as long as we stand together, Ace has promised that we will have what we need to survive and prosper."

Deborah's voice grew stronger, more passionate.

"We have already seen what he and his creature are capable of.

He has fought alongside us, protected us, and provided for us.

Now, it is our turn to rise to the challenge, to take this opportunity and make the most of it."

She looked out over the crowd, her eyes filled with determination.

"This is our chance to build a new community, a new family.

We can do this, together.

We will not just survive; we will live, we will flourish, and we will build a legacy that will endure for generations to come."

The crowd erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the night.

The energy was palpable, a wave of hope and excitement washing over everyone.

Deborah stepped back, and I moved forward, raising my hand for silence.

"Thank you, Deborah," I said, my voice carrying over the crowd.

"I promise you all, as long as we work together, as long as we support each other, you will never see anyone starve.

We will build a future where we can all thrive.

This is just the beginning."

The crowd cheered again, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

We had a long road ahead, but with the support of these people, I knew we grew closer to a decent force.

Balance Update: In the last chapter, Ace's balance of good and bad karma points shifted slightly:

Good Karma Points: = 900M

Bad Karma Points: = 2B

In this chapter, Ace good karma points balance shifted lightly.

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Ace Lackey's:

Ibliss: Guarding Kingdom gate, cant be summoned.

Cronus: Guarding Kingdom gate, cant be summoned.

Reaper: Can be summoned

Demoniac: Can be summoned.

Dawn Jester: Can be summoned

Undead Soldier: Can be summoned, 1000 units