As John made his was east, he stopped to practice his sword style more and more. Resuming his meditation, he became closer to Ampol and Doren. Learned more of their pasts, their strengths and their weaknesses. He also learned more about their places within each perspective realm. Doren was basically the king among the demons as he was the strongest. Ampol had the brightest light in the angelic realm but declined any advancement into the hierarchy. Ampol was the strongest in divinity but not strength, that belonged to Ampol's brother, Pulas.
"If Pulas and I were to fight, who would win?" John questioned. "Hard to say, you have a complex sword style that combines the grace of light and the killing of dark. Pulas has elegant and graceful moves. Itd most likely end with a draw with deathly wounds on both sides." Ampol responded. "Then I need to get stronger yet." John stated. John began exploring a way to boost their power within him. Looking for ways to make their strength flow into him simultaneously without fighting each other. The more he practiced he could feel his body get sturdier, but not heavier. It felt like he was actually getting lighter.
John kept moving east slowly as he was training along the way. It took him about 2 weeks to do a 3 day trip. Within that 2 weeks, John was more skilled with his blade than before and had more power at his grasp. At long last he reached the destination, the village where he met Trent. The village looks differently now, it wasn't as lively. There was a gloom feeling washing over the village. John still made his way to the blacksmith anyways. "Trent, how have you been?" John asked excitedly. "John? It's been over 10 years and you haven't changed a bit." Trent responded shocked. "It would seem so." John replied. "What drags you to this village?" Trent asked. "I'm actually wondering what's going on here? This place seems dreadful." John stated. "John, I don't want you getting involved but since you saved Tion from the war, they're no longer recruiting us but they are making us give away free supplies and weapons anytime they come through." Trent explained. "Oh? How are they threatening you?" John questioned. "They told us they will take what they need or they will burn the village down around us." Trent responded hesitantly. "I won't get involved, all I can offer you now is a choice. You can stay here and hope to survive or you can take anyone or everyone pack up essentials and come to my city for safe haven. You'll work for your keep and I can guarantee your safety." John explained. "You must be delusional John. You just said YOU'RE city." Trent pointed out. "You heard correct. It's a 3 day trip west, you're welcome if you choose to go. If you don't, at least give the others the option." John said. "I will let everyone know, as for my choice in still undecided." Trent claimed. "I'm sorry to leave you like this Trent, however I have to head back. I have people who need training." John stated. "You're not going to stay and make sure we find it?" Trent asked. "Just head west Trent, you can't miss it." John stated smugly. John began his trip back to Bale. He didn't stall as much this time, almost a direct route except for hunting, sleeping and meditating.
At last, John could see the walls of his city. He was still impressed with it's sight. John started towards the wall, when he sensed life essence that he never felt before. He began rushing towards the gate. As the gate came into view, so did the squadron on soldiers. They were demanding entrance from the guards. As John approached, he heard "You will let us enter under the order of the Imperial Empire." the soldier was yelling. "We will allow you entry as travelers but not as soldiers." the guard stated sternly. "Oh, John you're back already." the guard stated happily. "I am, so what's going on?" John asked. "These lost soldiers are trying to redeem our great city for their king." the guard explained. "Lost? Are you mad? This place didn't exist a few years ago when we passed. Which makes me question how it got here and this is part of the Imperial Empire land." the soldier stated confusingly. "Ah, I see." John stated. "I am terribly sorry to inform you sir, this land has been liberated. If you're seeking safe haven from the army or wish to join our ranks instead, you'll be allowed entry. If you try to claim this land, you'll be given no mercy." John said sternly and threateningly. "You dare defy the Imperial Empire?" the soldier shouted. "I do, to defend my city and my people." John stated. "Then you must be the king of this city." the soldier stated. "Once again, you're wrong. I'm not the king, I'm just it's protector and it's creator. Just call it quits here and go home, you don't have enough men for me to be concerned." John stated. "Guard, I'm heading in, I'll send Jade to assist you further." John said as he was leaving. "Thank you sir, but if I may insist, can you handle this?" the guard asked. "Oh, I could. I need to see how she handles it." John explained. "Understood sir." the guard responded. John made his way inside, heading straight to Jade.
"John, welcome back." Jade stated smiling. "Ah, there you are. I've been looking for you. There's a situation at the gate, would you mind taking care of it?" John asked. "I can, but why didn't you?" Jade asked. "Well I've only just returned from my travels and would like some time to rest." John stated. "If I must." Jade said as she started towards the gate. "Excuse me, if you wish to keep breathing, I would recommend leaving now. This will be your only warning. Failure to heed it will result in your demise." Jade shouted from the top of the wall. "I will not be ordered about by a queen. I am here seeking the king, not the queen." the soldier yelled back. "Oh you misunderstand, I'm not the king. I'm the assistant general of the army. The very army that will remove your life from your body." Jade responded. "You don't scare us. A woman with that title is unheard of and not possible." the soldier yelled back. "You were warned." Jade snickered as she let out a high pitched whistle.
The gates opened to show 20 men walking towards the soldiers. With massive shields in the front lines followed by spears poking out from the gaps. "Men, these men wish to take everything from you, show them no mercy." Jade stated boosting morale. The men let out a battle cry and started charging. Staying in formation, the squadron of soldiers fell quickly. "Good work men. Take anything usable and give them a proper burial." Jade ordered. "Yes ma'am." they yelled back. Jade turned around to see John standing behind her watching. "Looks like I made the right choice with you." John stated. "I guess you did, but next time, it's all yours." Jade responded as she walked past him. "It's a fair offer." John replied back.
The next day John had to go to the cave to meet Aluzhar. "Master, you have returned at last." Aluzhar gasped. "Let's skip the formalities today, what did you find out?" John questioned. "You were right Master, the shadows is where I found the real information. King Tormen is secretly training up an army. I believe it's to rebel against you master." Aluzhar explained. "Thank you Aluzhar, return to the shadows and come meet me in 4 days time." John ordered. "Yes master." Aluzhar responded and vanished. As John was returning to the gate, he noticed something out of the corner of eye. Coming out of the tree line was a group of people. John recognized them immediately. "Trent, you came." John said surprised. "Yeah, yeah. This is your city?" Trent questioned quickly. "It is, here lemme escort you inside." John responded leading them inside. "You guys can stay here for now, we will hold a meeting tomorrow to sort out permanent homes and introduce you to everyone." John stated leading them to a massive stone building. "It's impressive, John." Trent stated. "It truly is, isn't it?" John responded.