Chapter 550: Battle for Freedom
The sun's first rays poured through the dense canopy of the elvin town, casting dappled patterns on the ground. The tranquil beauty of the morning was a sharp contrast to the storm brewing in Alex's mind.
He and the dragon siblings, Z'yna and Ryzel, had just finished breakfast in the elvin sanctuary.
It was one of his signature meals, maybe so, the dragon siblings asked him if he could cook again. Alex had no choice but to agree, not to mention cooking has become a habit for him, it helps him to calm down and think properly.
The clink of a cup being set down pulled him from his reverie. Z'yna's golden eyes locked onto his.
"Should we go depart now?" she asked softly.
Alex nodded, standing up. "Alright, if you are full, let's go. The others are waiting."
The three of them made their way to the Elvins' Special Hall, a grand chamber built within the roots of one of the towering trees.
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As they entered, the murmurs quieted. The hunters and trainees, their memories now restored, looked at him with expressions of confusion and unease. For many, the events that had led them here were still a blur, a tangled mess of betrayal, pain, and manipulation.
The queen gestured for Alex to begin.
He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the room.
"I know you're all confused," he began, his voice steady. "What you've been through... what we've been through… it's not something anyone should endure..."
Alex explained the truth behind their kidnappings and the brainwashing they had suffered. He told them about the Black Star Lord's actions and the plan devised by the Avenger traitors.
The revelations were met with a mix of anger, grief, and determination.
Most of them expressed their feelings openly, saying it has been 5 years or that much since they were kidnapped, or their friends are still in the Black Star City, brainwashed.
As a result, they started expressing their emotions about taking revenge or saving their people.
Alex then laid out his plan—an ambitious, dangerous mission to bring down the Black Star Lord's tyranny and destroy the Avenger traitors once and for all. It was a plan that would require every ounce of strength, skill, and courage they possessed.
The room fell into a heavy silence as Alex finished. The weight of his words settled over everyone like a dense fog.
Thankfully, lunchtime arrived, giving them time to digest everything.
The elvins had prepared a feast, their tables were laden with delicacies made from fruits, grains, and herbs found only in the enchanted forest.
As Alex sat with the dragon siblings, the queen, and a few elvin leaders, he couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in the atmosphere.
The hunters and trainees, who had entered the hall uncertain and fractured, now seemed more unified. There was still fear in their eyes, but alongside it burned a spark of resolve.
The queen offered a gentle smile. "You've given them purpose, boy. That is no small thing."
He gave a faint nod, his appetite barely touched.
The lunch break served as a brief reprieve, allowing everyone to process the gravity of Alex's words and the mission as intended.
The room, illuminated by the golden afternoon sunlight filtering through the roots and leaves, was silent as Alex began to outline the preparations.
The plan needed to be thorough, and every detail required careful attention. Training schedules, intelligence gathering, role assignments—nothing could be left to chance.
The queen and her advisors divided the assembled group into manageable factions.
The hunter trainees were assigned to experienced hunters who had once served as instructors, as well as a select group of elvin warriors.
These mentors would focus on combat techniques, discipline, and coordination, ensuring the trainees developed both individual skills and the ability to operate as a team.
The more experienced hunters, on the other hand, were integrated into the elvin warriors' training regimens.
Together, they sparred and tested one another's strengths, gaining insight into new strategies and techniques.
Their sessions were physically taxing, pushing them to adapt to the enchanted forest's terrain and preparing them for the challenges they would face.
For Z'yna and Ryzel, their training was placed under the direct guidance of the queen and the elvin leader.
Their dragon heritage granted them unique abilities, but it also made them prime targets for the Black Star Lord's forces.
Their sessions focused on precision, restraint, and utilizing their abilities effectively.
In addition to this, Alex provided them with specialized drills based on his knowledge of the Black Star Lord's methods and weaknesses. His training for them was exacting, designed to prepare them for specific threats they might encounter during the mission.
Alex himself immersed fully in his own training, isolating himself in a secluded part of the forest during his free time.
The Forbidden Light artifact—one of the key elements of the plan—required intense concentration and mastery.
Hours were spent channeling its volatile energy, pushing the artifact to its limits while learning to control its immense power with greater precision.
His physical training was equally relentless, as he refused to let his body lag behind his mental and magical prowess. The grueling schedule left him exhausted, but the stakes demanded nothing less.
The timeline for the month was meticulously followed.
During the first two weeks, the focus remained on refining - the foundational training—building strength, refining combat techniques, and gaining an understanding of the enemy's known tactics.
The hunters and trainees showed visible improvement as the days progressed, their movements sharper and their confidence growing.
The second half of the month shifted toward role-specific preparation. Each member of the group was assigned a role within the plan, tailored to their strengths and abilities.
Alex conducted extensive strategy sessions, walking the team through every aspect of the mission.
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Scenarios were simulated, contingencies planned, and weaknesses identified and addressed.
By the end of this phase, each person understood their responsibility and the critical nature of their part in the mission.
Z'yna and Ryzel continued to grow under the rigorous guidance of their mentors, unlocking deeper reserves of strength and honing their techniques.
Alex, despite his own taxing training, kept a watchful eye on them, providing additional insights and strategies when needed.
His focus on their progress reflected not only his trust in their abilities but also his acknowledgment of their crucial role in the plan's success.
He used every useful info from the novel to his advantage, making sure nothing would go wrong, even if unexpected things happens.
And so, the final day of the month arrived, bringing with it a quiet intensity. The hunters, trainees, and elvins gathered once more, their expressions reflecting the transformation they had undergone.
Weeks of relentless effort had molded them into a cohesive force, ready to confront the Black Star Lord's tyranny.
The preparations were complete. All that remained was to execute the plan. As the group dispersed to rest for the night, the air buzzed with a mixture of apprehension and resolve.
In their hearts, each person knew that tomorrow would mark the beginning of a battle not just for survival, but for freedom and justice.
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Tomorrow morning.
The air was tense as Alex stood at the front of the vast gathering. Hundreds of faces stared back at him—elves, powerful former hunters, trainees, and leaders.
To his right stood Z'yna and Ryzel, their presence a silent reminder of all they had endured. On his left were the queen of nature and the elvin leader, their regal bearing adding weight to the moment.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the field where they stood. The silence was deafening as Alex stepped forward, his boots crunching against the gravel below. His sharp eyes swept over the crowd, noting every clenched fist, every hopeful gaze.
He raised his hand, and all murmurs ceased.
The time had come.
"We've prepared for this day for an entire month," Alex began, his voice steady and clear, carrying over the assembly. "We underwent grueling and rigorous training, pushing ourselves to the limits, both body and mind."
"I don't know heroic or motivational speeches. But I want to say a few things before we start the battle... Which might be our last."
"Some of you are here because you want revenge. To pay back those who wronged you, those who tore apart your lives."
"Some of you fight for the greater good, for a cause bigger than yourselves."
"Some of you are here to save your families, your friends who are still in the clutches of the enemy."
"And some of you simply want to return home."
He paused, letting his words settle in the hearts of his audience.
"But despite our differences, one thing unites us all in this mission. One purpose binds us together." His tone darkened, sharpening like a blade. "We are here to defeat the Black Star Lord who kidnapped us, who turned us into his puppets."
"To destroy the Avenger traitors who brainwashed us with sweet words and false promises, but in truth, are no different from the Black Scourge."
"They tore apart everything we held dear, and now, we stand ready to end their tyranny."
The crowd murmured in agreement, a ripple of energy passing through them.
Alex's expression hardened as he continued. "But make no mistake—this will not be easy. The path ahead is filled with danger. Traps have been set. Countermeasures have been laid. The enemy has both the numbers and the power to crush us if we're not careful."
He inhaled deeply, his gaze piercing. "Some of you may not return. In fact, even I am not sure of my survival."
His honesty was like a cold wind cutting through the warmth of the sun. "This is the reality of what lies ahead. So, if any of you wish to back out now, do so. No one here will say a word against you."
The silence was deafening.
No one moved.
Alex glanced to his right and gave a small nod to Z'yna. She stepped forward, her expression calm yet intense.
With a deep breath, Z'yna raised her hands, and a surge of energy rippled through the air.
A swirling vortex of light and shadow began to form behind them, its edges sparking with raw power. The portal expanded, towering high above their heads, humming with energy as it stabilized.
The crowd collectively held their breath as Alex turned back to face them, his voice unwavering.
"Those who are ready to face death. Those who are willing to give everything for what they believe in. Those who have something—or someone—they refuse to lose…"
He turned, his back to the crowd as he began walking toward the portal. His voice rang out, cold yet commanding.
"Follow me."
Without hesitation, Alex stepped through the portal, starting the true Battle for Freedom.
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End of Volume V - Extra's Return.