novelraw Chapter 27: A pale-skinned snake
Chapter 27: A pale-skinned snake
Inside the mayor’s office, several officers were gathered for an important meeting.
Nearly two months had passed since the appearance of the gates, yet the mayor had never halted his efforts.
Under his leadership, the remnants of the city were steadily transforming into a functional community.
Both physical structures and governing institutions were being rebuilt, and the majority of the population had begun to align themselves with his movement.
Still, there were issues that could not be ignored.
That was why a number of appointed officials had been summoned.
"How long has it been since their numbers began to increase?" the mayor asked. He stood behind his chair at the head of the table while the others remained seated.
"Not long after the first gate," Franz replied. He was a middle-aged man with a rounded beard, the official in charge of internal security and monitoring spawn activity near the vicinity.
"I must admit, it felt like a joke at first," he continued. "Seeing those small, talking creatures. But they’re nothing to laugh about."
"Their guidance has finally helped us get back on our feet," Zack added. The slender, sharp-faced man was responsible for managing the vicinity’s stores.
"Thanks to them, we’re far more aware of this celestial event. And far more capable of dealing with it."
Ross, the burly construction overseer, nodded heavily. "Without the Erwald’s guidance, we’d still be digging through rubble with our bare hands. Their knowledge let us rebuild smarter and faster. People are mastering control better now. Heavy machinery isn’t necessary anymore when a single man can lift steel beams like firewood."
The mayor released a small huff, a faint smile forming.
"We truly have the Erwalds to thank," Maxwell said. "Their presence has been invaluable."
Then his expression hardened.
"But that brings us to the reason for this meeting. There’s a problem we can no longer ignore, one that’s almost unavoidable."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"Our resources are depleting."
The atmosphere in the room immediately grew tense.
"There’s a shortage of food," the mayor continued. "And we’re running low on several essential materials. Honestly, I saw this coming from a mile away."
His gaze shifted.
"Albert. What do you think?"
Albert reclined comfortably at the corner of the spacious office. Fully recovered now, he rarely spoke unless necessary. When all eyes turned to him, he simply nodded.
"I agree."
"So what do you suggest?" Maxwell asked, turning to the Erwald seated atop the table. "Gremit."
"In situations like this," Gremit said calmly, "there’s only one option left. If the resources don’t exist within your vicinity, you must search for them outside."
No one looked surprised. It was an option they had all considered, then dismissed.
The world beyond their borders was dangerous. But with their growing abilities, perhaps it was no longer completely impossible.
Gremit sensed their resolve and raised a hand.
"You must understand," he warned. "The gates you’ve faced so far housed spawns of relatively similar grades. Outside your vicinity, it’s different. Completely random."
He leaned forward slightly.
"You could encounter spawns far weaker than the chieftain you defeated, or far stronger. There are beings out there whose power you cannot even begin to fathom."
Silence filled the room.
Even the mayor felt a chill run down his spine. Perhaps it truly was too dangerous.
But did they have a choice?
He glanced at Albert.
Albert huffed lightly.
"Alright," he said. "I think we should try."
Several heads snapped in his direction.
"Are you sure?" Maxwell asked gravely. "Do you believe you and the others are up to it?"
Albert exhaled slowly.
"Our goal isn’t to conquer anything," he replied. "Just to assess how viable this option is. There’s no harm in trying."
Gremit nodded.
"Then it’s settled," he said. "We’ll proceed with your first raid, Albert."
–––
Albert exited the mayor’s office and headed toward his quarters, Marcus walking beside him.
Outside, the mayor’s compound buzzed like a living organism.
People hurried between half-rebuilt structures. Hammers rang. Awakened workers levitated bricks and bent rebar with bare hands. Children darted between adults, carrying water or messages.
As Albert walked, he noticed someone standing ahead, waiting.
He squinted slightly as the young man’s figure became clearer.
"Sir Albert," the man called. "I’ve been waiting for you."
He quickly stepped aside, clearing the path, then fell in step beside them.
"Who are you?" Marcus demanded, holding Wester from following them further. "And what do you want?"
The pale-skinned young man grinned.
"My name is Wester. I’m a strong supporter of the mayor’s efforts," he said.
"You may not know me yet, but I intend to make significant contributions to ensure this vicinity thrives."
"Marcus," Albert said, halting. "Let him speak."
Wester bowed politely.
"What do you really want?" Albert asked.
"I want to serve," Wester replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"I wish to support the mayor by joining your ranks."
Albert studied him for a moment. Then, without another word, he turned and continued walking.
"Huh?" Wester muttered.
Albert waved a hand dismissively.
"You can join the first raid," he said without stopping. "But understand this. It’s extremely dangerous. I won’t be responsible for you."
With that, he walked on.
’I see’ Wester thought, scoffing quietly. ’He barely reacted. For a second, I thought this wouldn’t work’
He followed them anyway.
They hadn’t gone far when a new figure appeared.
"Albert."
Luna stepped out from the shadow of a half-finished wall. She wore a black shirt and black trousers, dark hair framing a truly attractive visage.
She gave a small, respectful bow. "The meeting’s over? What did they decide?"
"We’re going," Albert answered simply. "We need more bodies. Put up a recruitment board. ’Raiders wanted. High risk. High reward.’"
"Yes, sir."
Luna’s sharp gaze slid past Albert, straight to Wester.
The young man had not blinked since she appeared.
His eyes traced her curves, her lips, and the dangerous elegance in the way she stood. Hunger flickered behind his polite mask.
Wester felt a thrill crawl up his spine.
’I’ll own this one too’ the thought surfaced instinctively.
They soon reached their quarters, a large camp with enough space for Albert’s followers.
Some trained their control diligently, while others ran errands throughout the area.
Standing just outside the entrance was Icard.
His eyes narrowed as he watched Albert, Luna, and Marcus enter, with Wester trailing behind them.
Suspicion flickered in his gaze.
’Wester’
After they disappeared inside, Icard surveyed the camp once more.
’They’re preparing for their first raid’ he thought. ’They’re searching for incarnations to join them’
His lips curved faintly.
’It’s time’