War Grounds

Al suddenly felt his spirit wanting to leave his body when Sol asked him for a private talk. Based on his numerous experiences with his mother, there's really nothing good that came from confrontations.

"Sure." Al helplessly agreed with Sol's request.

"Good, let's find a quiet place then. How about grabbing something to eat while talking?" Sol offered.

"Sounds great. Your treat?" Al sheepishly joked.

"Of course. Just wait a minute for me outside. I'll leave some instructions for the others first." Sol smiled.

Al was starting to get a bad feeling. He immediately began to think of the possible things that would be discussed and tried matching them with a good alibi.

Meanwhile, Sol gently grabbed Sophia by the arm and whispered something to her as excitement and seriousness were mixed in his eyes.

"Leave it to me, brother. It will be done after you're back." Sophia smiled as she waved goodbye.

"Thanks." Sol sent a last look at the busybodies inside the workshop as he closed the man-gate.

...

Al and Sol arrived in a diner named Sitting Duck. It was located near the workshop along the Food Strip Alley.

"Have you tried eating a duck, Al?" Sol amusingly asked.

"Uhmmm. Not yet, let's give it a try!" Al excitedly responded.

"It tastes like a chicken, but it's a duck." Sol candidly briefed Al.

"Wow." Al was not sure if it was a joke or just pure wisdom.

Sol ordered two servings of Honey Glazed Duck Legs before starting the conversation. "So, how are you, Captain Al Gentrix?" He grinned, a good start for a seemingly serious talk.

"Hehe. All good, Sol." Al politely answered. One-on-one convos were really tough to handle.

"I'm sorry if we left you back there in Alistor. Time was running out, and the curse would have killed us all if a delay was caused." After the courtesies, Sol immediately started with an apology.

"So, you must be wondering why I asked you for a talk, right?" Sol smiled, sensing the tension from Al.

Al continued to nod.

"What I'm sharing with you today is confidential data because I trust you, Al, and I believe that you deserve being WisDOOM's captain." Sol started.

Al intently listened, the topic about being a captain was the real deal; he too has his share of concerns regarding the role. Meanwhile, their ordered food was not yet served.

"You'll be needing this information in order to make the right decisions from here on. There's so much responsibility on your shoulders right now, but don't worry, we're here to help." Sol continued.

"Wait a minute, Sol. I'm sorry to cut you off, but you, Sophia, and Nisha, the three of you, are higher in levels and stronger than me. I really thought that this position is only valid until the end of the Rookie Challenge?" Al cordially interjected.

"I see your point, Al. Don't worry. We're gonna power level your account anyway. But just remember, true leadership is never about who's strongest, Al. It's about the heart." Sol replied.

"Yeah, but when I lead my team in the battle, what would a brave heart do in the face of overwhelming power?" Al's question was a good one.

"Haha. That's a good question, Al. Before I answer your question, answer mine first. What do you think is the minimum level and rank of the Top 8 Teams in this coming Rookie Challenge?" Sol continued to smile as he asked.

"Uhmmm. I've really not given a thought about that. I'm currently at Level 13, and I've just started playing a few days ago. At least Level 20 and Silver Rank? Especially for Guild sponsored teams?" Al tried his best to guess.

"Nice try, Al. They would be around Level 50 and Gold Rank at the minimum." Sol's smile was now faint. He revealed a figure that was more than double of Al's estimate.

Al seemed not to believe it. "Damn. So, I and the others are really going into a slaughterhouse all this time?" For once, he ran out of reasons to continue. It was precisely what he had previously asked about? What would a brave heart do in the face of overwhelming power?

"Not really a slaughterhouse but more of a battlefield. Going back, what do we do in front of a monster? Do we run or do we fight? I say we fight!" Sol roared to the point that the waiter around him and the other customers were shocked. It was a bit embarrassing, but he did not mind.

"Hehe. Our order's here." Al felt the awkward atmosphere and he immediately changed the topic to cope with the piercing gazes that were sent toward their table.

"Wait a minute. You did not respond to my battle cry. Say, 'we'll fight' with feelings!" Sol urged the kid.

"Eh. Seriously? Alright, then. We'll...fight!" It was a soft growl.

"You sound like the last placer in the coming Rookie Challenge, Captain Al Gentrix." Sol teased. Meanwhile, the waiter started to place the tender duck legs on the table. The aroma of the glazed honey in front of the two was enchanting.

Gulp. Al immediately felt hungry. Although he has already eaten his fill awhile ago, the food in front of him was a special meal. It cannot be ignored.

"Enjoy your meal, sirs." The waiter politely said as he left the two in private. At the same time, the other customers no longer dwelled on them until another shout suddenly erupted.

"We'll fight them!" It was Al Gentrix who shouted, and the crowd was immediately infuriated as they shot a hateful look towards their table.

"Damn. You're gonna get us killed, Sol!" Al grumbled while grinning. It felt so liberating to shout at your fear and worry.

"Now, that's the spirit. You're ready for the bigger news." This time, Sol's face turned totally serious as he sliced a portion of the duck meat.

...

[ You have received a message from Radil Gentrix ]

Sophia's phone turned bright at the arrival of the message. Upon reading the name of the sender, she immediately tapped the 'Read' option.

"You've finally made contact with my little brother, Sophia? And he was there in Alistor during the battle? Haha, funny life! You should have said so sooner."