“We will support the Federation!”
i𝚗n𝘳𝙚𝑎𝗱. 𝑐𝗼𝒎
Beyond simply the idea of joining the side of the losers of a major battle, there was another issue in everyone’s minds. Though they hadn’t raised the issue yet, everyone else wanted to join the camp of the Eternals to found a state belonging to the players, because the players deeply hated the Federation since the defeat of Era.
But despite this surprising outcome, everyone accepted Apophis’s decision.
“Aside from this, I think it’s a good idea to recruit slowly and carefully to ensure our new members will be of utmost quality—at least until we have a solid guild hierarchy in place. After that, we can recruit intensively, like the big guilds do. Considering the time to buy and recruit, we should be ready to leave in two days!”
Everyone gratefully accepted, eager to own a ship and be a commander! After that, the rest of the meeting dealt with minor matters, such as the class composition of new recruits.
***
Apophis had noticed something strange about the quest Grand Admiral Azerof had previously given him. Normally, when a quest giver died, the quest automatically canceled. However, the massive recruitment quest which Azerof had given him remained active. In fact, its recruitment counter was steadily rising!
If Azerof came back now, nothing could stop his rise to power!
Apophis traveled there alone. He didn’t miss the place at all.
Apophis answered, “Given my rank as a Lieutenant-Colonel of the Federation Army, as well as my title as Commander of the Eternals, I wish to take command of all my people’s volunteers on the battlefield of Cronos I within two days.”
Apophis clenched his fists.
Ralfot suddenly recalled Apophis’ power.
Ralfot really hated Apophis. The demonic-looking monstrosity was a disgusting opportunist who cared nothing about the fate of the Federation. All Apophis wanted was more power for himself, even if it meant hurting his own side.
On the other hand, the Federation couldn’t afford to lose so many Ascensionists to the enemy.
Apophis accepted, and the two men left.
After purchasing a huge order of consumables, Apophis traveled to a particular building, the temple of the goddess Valor. She was a benevolent goddess who had granted the intelligent beings of the galaxy their use of cosmic energy. She was renowned for loving peace, even though many of her recipients had used their comic powers for war.
But Apophis wasn’t traveling here for purely religious reasons. This temple was special because it also served as a military training center for Federation Ascensionists!