Chapter 24: Ember City Massacre - Part 6

The Call for War

Far away from the burning chaos of Ember City, in one of the many cities that relied on its resources and trade, stood the prosperous city of Colnite.

The city was built upon towering white stone walls, surrounded by fertile lands and rivers that ensured its people never starved. Unlike Ember City, which was more diverse and built for both civilians and Rankers, Colnite City prided itself on its strong military presence and chivalrous knights.

At the heart of Colnite stood a grand castle, its golden banners swaying in the wind. Inside the throne room, King Heroid sat upon his throne—a man barely past his 40s, with brown skin, a muscular build, and a golden crown resting upon his head. His royal robes, lined with intricate embroidery, draped over his broad shoulders.

A lone messenger, dressed in the royal insignia, rushed into the room. He knelt before the king, presenting a sealed letter with urgency.

The king furrowed his brow, opening the letter. His sharp eyes scanned the words written upon it—each sentence tightening his grip on the parchment.

Then, his expression darkened.

"Prepare the knights," he ordered. His deep, commanding voice echoed through the throne room. "We ride for Ember City."

The knights standing guard immediately saluted, then rushed to sound the war horns.

As the alarm rang through the city, soldiers and knights across Colnite gathered at the castle gates, their armor glistening under the midday sun.

The king stepped outside, standing at the top of the grand staircase leading to the central plaza. Thousands of citizens had gathered, sensing the urgency in the air.

King Heroid raised a strong, calloused fist, and silence fell.

"My people!" he bellowed. "Ember City has stood by our side in times of famine, war, and hardship. When our crops failed, they fed us. When our enemies came knocking, they armed us!"

His voice boomed with power, filled with passion and rage.

"Today, they face destruction!" he continued. "They have called for aid, and I will not sit idly by while they are slaughtered! We ride—not just as warriors, but as men of honor!"

The crowd erupted into cheers.

"FOR THE KING! FOR EMBER CITY!"

The knights raised their weapons in unison, roaring with the people. The energy was electric, the air thick with determination and warlust.

Among the gathering forces, a young knight stood out—a boy barely 18, with blond hair and sharp yellow eyes. His name was Achtur Vilma, one of the youngest frontline knights of Colnite City.

Though young, Achtur was no ordinary soldier. He was a Ranker, one of the few in Colnite's military, with incredible combat potential.

As he tightened the straps of his armor, adjusting the sword at his waist, an older knight approached him. This knight was a grizzled veteran, his face lined with experience and battle scars.

"Nervous, kid?" the older knight asked, clapping a hand on Achtur's shoulder.

Achtur turned to him, his golden eyes gleaming—not with fear, but excitement.

"No," Achtur said, a small smirk forming. "I've been waiting for this chance."

The older knight chuckled. "Good. Just don't get too excited. War isn't as glorious as the songs make it sound."

Achtur said nothing, his gaze locked onto the horizon.

He had trained his whole life for this moment. Now, he would prove himself in battle.

As the gates of Colnite City swung open, over 1,000 knights sat atop their warhorses, clad in silver and black armor.

At the front of the army, their leader sat astride a massive black stallion. He was a man in his mid-30s, with curly gray hair and a muscular build. A high-ranking Ranker, respected by all in Colnite.

His voice was deep and unforgiving as he addressed the army.

"WE RIDE FOR WAR!" he shouted, his voice carrying over the mass of soldiers. "WE RIDE TO AID OUR ALLIES! AND WE WILL CRUSH ALL WHO STAND IN OUR WAY!"

The soldiers roared in unison.

The leader grinned cruelly, raising his sword high.

"If you hesitate, you DIE! If you falter, you DIE! And if you retreat—" He let out a chilling laugh. "I'LL KILL YOU MYSELF!"

A loud cheer erupted, the knights filled with adrenaline and bloodlust.

Then, with a powerful cry, the leader pointed forward.

"RIDE! RIDE WITH PRIDE! DESTROY ALL ENEMIES!"

With that command, the army surged forward, their horses thundering across the plains.

Their destination—

Ember City.

Their mission—

War.

To be continued…