Almost every competent fighter in the camp was assembled in the courtyard. The mood mostly felt somber. All eyes turned to Leo as he approached.

It was unsettling, and he wasn’t exactly sure why. Maybe because he was running a bit late. He soon spotted his group and headed straight over, giving brief looks of apology to those who made eye contact, which wasn’t many.

“Good. We are all here,” Cecelia began, before raising her voice to the crowd.

“Today we make the push to the Tower with our newly formed alliance. We will be meeting them at a vantage point that will allow us to push as safely as possible. This will be our time to claim ground for ourselves, not just following the system’s plans and waiting for death. For those of you coming with us, I cannot guarantee your safety but I commend your bravery and will do my utmost to not lose anyone today.”

She let the words hang in the air. Surprisingly, people seemed to be less nervous looking, even after the possibility of death.

“For those of you remaining to guard our camp, I thank you for giving up the opportunity to grow stronger in the short term. Once the Tower is reached, I am sure there will be more than enough to progress everyone's class. Now, let us move out!”

The speech seemed to do the trick, the demeanours of those heading out felt more resolute and less shaky than just a moment previous. She really did have a way with words. Leo was also glad to see her recovered from the state she was in last night.

I wonder if that gave her a level in her profession, or how those even work. Leo thought to himself.

The only fighters remaining behind were those who were too low level or not quite up to par based on sparring and experience. All those of note, and a few Leo wasn’t that familiar with, were all marching out. They had a good line-up and with his increased power from his class and race evolution, he figured they were guaranteed to make the push.

While he would not focus solely on keeping people safe, he would try his best. After all, every dead ant was one less to kill someone he knew.

Just as he was leaving, Lena dashed up to the group, panting.

“Hey Hermit,” Amy said jokingly. “What are you doing out of your cave?”

Leo identified her.

Human - Level 18

She had jumped up quite a few levels and Leo suspected that it was purely profession based. Apparently Lena had already made a couple items for people, yet when Leo had asked her she had just shooed him out like an unwanted pest.

“Don’t tease me,” Lena scolded. “I wanted to give Leo something before you guys left.”

“Me?” Leo asked curiously.

She came up to him and held out her hands. A pair of gloves appeared that were a combination of thread and chitin. Black inlay with intricate patterns woven through them. They looked… badass.

He took them from her and identified them.

Chitinous Gloves of Gratitude (Rare)

Gloves woven from hardened ant chitin, their fibers infused with a rare tailoring method and an overwhelming intent of gratitude. Though simple in appearance, they resonate with the memory of survival and support, rewarding the wearer for enduring and striking back.

Enchantments:

Chitin guard: Reduced incoming damage when performing unarmed blocks

Reciprocal Force: Successfully blocking an attack empowers your next strike, increasing its impact.

Lingering gratitude: Each time you land three consecutive unarmed strikes, recover a small amount of stamina over the next 5 seconds with an internal cooldown.

Self repair

+3 Strength, +2 Endurance, +3 Toughness

Requirements: Soulbound to Leonidas Hawkins

“Holy shit, these are insane!” Leo exclaimed, drawing attention. “Did you really make these? You have real talent!”

She blushed under the praise, shushing him. Shortly followed by a beaming radiant smile. “Just wanted to say thank you, for everything so far.”

“I should be the one thanking you,” Leo said. “Thank you Lena.”

“Make me something next!” Ashley butted in. “I need some new shoes, these suck,” she complained, shaking her foot.

To be fair, her boots were the starting gear given to healers and they did look thoroughly worn through. No self repair meant any issue was permanent.

All hail self repair. Leo inwardly saluted.

“We better go,” Amy interrupted. “Cecelia won’t wait for us, she’s so determined today.” Her voice carried a tone of worry that she couldn’t hide.

“Let’s go then,” Leo agreed. “See you soon Lena.”

“Bye guys! Be safe!” she cheered as they jogged off to catch up with the group.

Leo popped his new gloves on as they moved, they fit like a second skin, whilst looking cool as hell.

I’ll need to supply her with as many materials as I can. I wonder if she knows how good she really is to make something this good. Leo committed to thought.

It was only thirty minutes or so to the rendezvous point. So before long both groups had conjoined their forces. There was still a little tension however as they sized each other up once more. The flimsy alliance being exactly that.

There was always one who did not care for such tensions, this time it was a fiery redhead.

“Hey sweetie!” Ruby called as Leo approached.

She felt different, stronger.

Human - Level 20

She had evolved too. And it showed not only in her aura but also in appearance.

Her features became prettier, she was a little taller too. The red in her hair seemed almost crimson as if it was touched by fire itself. Leo decided to promptly ignore her adoring comments for now and stay amicable, greeting her with a simple nod.

Thankfully Cecelia stepped in before he had to speak to her.

“Hello Gareth, Ruby, everyone,” Cecelia greeted. “Your fighters look strong and ready. Are we ready to begin?”

“Hello,” Gareth replied, listing off suggestions. “Yes, we are ready when you are. I suggest our knights take the front while our healers and ranged take out as many as they can from the middle.” He glanced up, pointing. “Anyone who can get onto the rooftops to provide overhead support should do so. My people are already in position.”

“Excellent, I will send our head archer up to join them if that is acceptable?” Cecelia asked.

Gareth nodded, and in turn Cecelia nodded at Ron, who also nodded, before moving off.

“Be safe mate,” Leo said.

Ron paused, almost nodding but then deciding to speak. “You too,” Ron replied. “Keep everyone safe.”

It was Leo’s turn to nod. He’d do his best.

“Let’s definitely compete to see who can kill the most ants!” Ruby interjected as she bounced over to him, she was almost vibrating with excitement.

“Must have gotten a good class if you’re this confident,” Leo said, trying to pry for a bit of information.

“Ah, ah. No spoilers from me, my love,” she replied in a sultry tone. “Although, if you want to trade information later in private I wouldn’t be opposed.” Her finger slowly danced down his chest as she spoke.

The woman was a damn succubus, but again Leo didn’t feel any kind of affection from her whatsoever. It felt like she was teasing a toy that she hadn’t gotten bored with yet. He’d be surprised if she knew what love was, not that he could talk.

“Let’s just get through today, shall we?” he said calmly.

“Boo,” she pouted.

Cecelia coughed, then clapped her hands together to get attention. Leo briefly saw Bjorn holding Ashley’s arm while she stared daggers at Ruby.

“Stay strong, stay vigilant, and we will all survive this. Let’s go.”

The street they had chosen to march down was, to choose a word, cramped. While it meant cover from the sides, it also meant that the ability to shoot directly ahead was limited. The temptation to dash up the walls and scout ahead was itching at him, but he suppressed it.

Today he would be a good soldier.

At least until the chaos started.

“Ants incoming!” Bjorn called from the frontline. He stood next to Gareth, the pair forming the main defensive wall with a pair of knights backing them up. Jonah and someone from Gareth's group.

“Ranged!” Gareth commanded. “Get ready to assault! Watch your fire!”

Leo felt useless, he was in the middle of the pack, guarding the healers. Which he supposed was a valued job, but he was itching to fight.

Speaking of fighting… there was a surge of heat that tickled the back of his neck, followed by a bit of maniacal laughter.

“Flame of Pyronis!” Ruby yelled in glee.

Suddenly, a torrent of flame rippled overhead as it streaked towards the front, forcing those in line to duck. The air became thick and hot. Leo felt the hairs on his arm get singed.

“Ruby! Damnit—Pull back!” Gareth yelled before pulling Bjorn back by the scruff of his armour.

The street exploded as flame detonated upon the approaching swarm, turning the majority of the weaker antlings to ash as chunks of gravel and stone flew everywhere.

As the smoke cleared, all that remained was a couple of heavily wounded Soldier Antlings that were swiftly finished from a barrage of arrows from above.

“Looks like I’m winning,” Ruby winked at Leo.

Before he could even say anything, an angry Gareth stepped up to her, pushing through the crowd.

“What did I tell you about waiting for my signal before any attacks like that?!” he questioned.

“Oh please, you guys are fine.” She smirked. “And I took care of the ants. I think the words you are looking for are: Thank you Ruby.”

Gareth growled while his face twisted, clearly biting his tongue. While the dynamic seemed to be Gareth’s lead, Ruby was clearly stronger.

“I would also appreciate a heads up before any attacks like that. While it was impressive, it was reckless,” Cecelia added, brushing off some loose ash that had specked her armour.

“Fine,” Ruby groaned, rolling her eyes.

“My apologies for her,” Gareth sighed. “She’s a loose cannon. But an effective one.”

Cecelia smiled, then looked at Leo. “No need to worry. We have our own.”

He wouldn’t call himself a loose cannon. Maybe a slightly eager one at worst. Of course if you asked anyone else, they would probably disagree wholeheartedly.

The march continued smoothly as they gained more and more ground towards the Tower. The ants started coming in larger, stronger packs, forcing Leo to add support of his own. Nothing major, simply picking off stragglers or defending from spitter attacks aimed at the healers.

But their easy time of streets and funnels ended soon after. Opening up to a massive courtyard completely enclosed by buildings on either side like walls, no openings whatsoever. It was absolutely swarming with antlings. They had not noticed their approach thankfully, but it wouldn’t be long until they did.

The Tower was close enough now to make out much more of its detail, the crystal sat at the peak, glowing with a radiant white that towered above them, not completely dissimilar to Ashley’s healing light.

It sat just past this giant open stretch.

The one entrance to it was behind a gate on the far end, guarded by a pair of Goliaths. At a glance there were at least a hundred antlings of different levels and types dotted around, swarming in packs. From a quick identify of those in range, they varied between levels 13 and 22.

“Good Lord,” Bjorn said in horror as he looked upon the swarm.

“This… is an unexpected obstacle,” Cecelia mused, face stricken. “Do we know if there are any other paths apart from this courtyard? Perhaps the roofs?”

Gareth shook his head. “There is only one entrance, and it’s that.” He pointed towards the gate with two Goliaths standing nearby it. “The roofs have some kind of barrier that locks you onto the roof you stand on. Found that out the hard way.”

Cecelia frowned as Ruby added, “Told you it was a suicide mission. Not so confident now, are we?”

Their self appointed leader looked to be in thought for a minute or so before she spoke.

“Leo,” Cecelia looked towards him with almost desperate vigor. “How confident are you on getting to that gate?”

“You must be joking!” Ashley yelled in a whisper. “One guy, even if he is strong, isn’t enough to get through all that.”

“Perhaps not,” Cecelia agreed. “But we could pincer them more effectively if there was a distraction.”

He blinked. Now he got her idea.

Getting to the gate wasn’t the plan. She wanted him to run as far ahead as he could to fight while the rest of them cleared up those that came for them. It was likely that if they got more aggressive and desperate as people approached the Tower, then it should mean that if Leo was the closest, he would draw the most aggro.

“Oh, that’s so much better!” Ashley rolled her eyes. “You just want him to risk his life. To be bait so we can have an easier time. That—”

“I’ll do it,” Leo said firmly, interrupting.

“Leo! Don’t be an idiot, you’ll die,” Ashley said in a panic. “I can’t protect you if you’re that far up! And I doubt potions will do you much good after all those level ups.”

“She’s right, Kid,” Bjorn said, glaring at Cecelia. “We’ll find another way. That Tower isn’t worth your life.”

“While I am sure he’s strong, I also believe we should perhaps reconsider,” Gareth agreed. “Take things slow and try and whittle them down.”

The words of Iskarion echoed in his head. Of how he needed power in order to help him. How he believed in him. Sure, it would be really dangerous and the chances of dying were pretty high but he’d already made his choice.

There was no point deliberating. Power came to those who risked everything to gain it. Not to those who tried for the easy option.

“I can do it,” Leo said, with even more resolve. Flaring his aura slightly to give people an idea of his seriousness.

Upon seeing the downtrodden and worried looks from his party members, he continued, “I won’t take unnecessary risk. I should be fast enough to run rings around them now.”

Sadly he was out of power boosts that he could just activate, so he’d have to do it with whatever he had, he had thought about a potential boost after he had upgraded his race, yet it wasn’t as easy as he thought.

Wind Essence (E): 0/2

He sighed internally.

Unfortunately, Leo couldn’t unlock any of his Wind Essence skills yet. As when he had bought a crystal and tried to use it, the system told him that it required an E-grade Essence Crystal, which he hadn’t found any of yet. The shop only sold the F-grade version.

Now the tutorial store was effectively worthless for a non-profession, non weapon based fighter. His only option was to save up the Credits again and hope for additions… and maybe another loot box.

Wrangling himself from the detoured thought, Cecelia and Gareth had finished discussing plans on how to approach once Leo had gotten as many of them attacking him as he could whilst focusing on safety. So far his ideas were… just run fast. Pretty solid.

“We will move on your action, Leo,” Cecelia said. Her gaze softened as she placed a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you for this.”

“Good luck my love,” Ruby whispered into his ear. It sent a chill down his spine and not in a good way.

“Don’t die out there, kid,” Bjorn said.

“Come back safe or I’ll show you what a real punch is,” Ashley added.

“I’ll be fine. When do I ever do anything dangerous,” Leo said with a smile.

The group collectively gave him a flat look.

Leo stood tall, and began walking forward towards the swarm. The entire makeshift army they had gathered behind him began following just shortly after. One after the other, his footsteps hit the paving with purpose, mentally fortifying himself to get into the zone. Where one wrong move would be his last.

Just as the first ant noticed his presence and was about to screech, he decided to make himself known, whilst hopefully raising the courage of those behind him.

Stormforged Presence flared at a low power but he spread it as far as he could.

It washed over the crowd of ants, causing some to tremble under the sheer pressure of the creature before them as they all suddenly stopped moving. His allies stood taller, invigorated.

Silence descended over the courtyard, before the instincts of these monsters kicked in.

And all hell broke loose.