Despite the losses on both sides, the Port-O-Bea army had managed to keep the momentum going, as the next few days resulted in the overrunning of lightly protected towns and villages. While that appeared good for most of the soldiers, more of the experienced fighters and higher-ups knew the bigger fight would take place in the small city of Appleridge. From there, it was likely that the Reserve Guard would consolidate their survivors and incoming reinforcements and make it become a battleground.
With that in mind, the advisors of the coastal city were quick to establish a recruitment drive on the freed territory, although it was still very unclear as to how much support was on their side, considering the fact it had been several years since Namo's rule. It was with that, that the likes of Jamal would hopefully bring more recognization and support for their goals and maybe gain more people to fight alongside them as an opportunity. At least, that was the reaction they were hoping for, as their forces were entering the village of Tomula, with little welcome. Most of the citizens were out of their homes or businesses, watching the incoming convoy travel through their town with displeased faces.
"I should not really be this surprised," Jamal asked from within a carr in the middle, as he eyed a small alley, filled with onlookers sneering in his direction, even some of the kids sticking their tongues out. "So, what's the plan exactly?"
"Well, we got to hopefully find some sympathizers here that we can hopefully recruit. This usually is your thing, correct?" an advisor sitting next to him stated. "The rest of your group is spread out around the controlled territory either doing the same or fighting alongside our divisions. So, your support in bringing back hope will be needed now."
"Understood." Jamal lifted himself out of the window, before landing on the ground, "I'll see what can be done."
Watching as the convoy continued down the road, Jamal followed a small line of soldiers moving towards the town's center, a large square for local events. Passing through more of the residential area, more of the citizens were walking alongside them, with some of them bringing about sharp remarks in retaliation.
"If it ain't the Youden haters!" an older man screeched near Jamal's ear.
"Ha, imagine thinking we'll take you in with much ease."
"Filthy ocean kind." a younger woman hissed towards them. "And especially him, that dirty monkey."
"Wait, what did you say?" Jamal turned to the voice, a bit shocked by the words.
"You heard me, you dark ape." she repeated herself.
Instead of letting Jamal let loose a comeback of words, one of the other soldiers by his side cocked back his rifle, scaring the group and causing them to back off a bit. At least unlike them, their forces had much better weapons to let them know who had the real power.
"We won't tolerate such racism here. I don't want to hear that again." the soldier stated his final thoughts, "Sorry you had to hear that Jamal."
"Oh, no worries. This is a pretty rural area." the man took a quick look at the square, which they finally reached.
A large crowd was beginning to form around the armed group, as more heckling and yelling congregated towards the center. Ignoring them, Jamal moved towards the highest position on top of some wooden stands, similar to what was in Port-O-Bea, and began his ordeal.
"Hey!" he shouted so loudly, that everyone in the vicinity quieted down rather quickly. "I got to say, while we haven't gotten the best of welcomes, I'm sure that the attitude will change very shortly with the news we wish to present to you."
"Which is?" a nearby kid questioned first.
"While you may not understand or respect what we are trying to achieve, Youden will come for your town regardless. Because of us, and our actions, he wants to hold onto his authoritative power by any means necessary. He'll leave you in the crossfire and destroy all your homes and livelihood to maintain it."
"That's not true! He would never!" someone else shouted, as more people joined the process.
This was really going as well as he could have hoped for, as Jamal attempted to calm the crowd down. Before he knew it, someone attempted to launch a small rock toward his head, where he luckily dodged the attack. More shouting came from the civilians, as the soldiers around Jamal aimed their weapons into the crowd, keeping the standstill frozen for now.
"Call for backup!" one of the army soldiers cried out for.
Not hesitating, the one next to him pulled a flare out of its holster, before raising it into the sky and firing a round. A large dot illuminated the space overhead as it sailed for a few hundred meters until it then exploded to signal for reinforcements. They definitely weren't going to get as many people as they hoped for, but one could only hope that the other towns were more friendlier and welcoming. The more difficult battles were yet to come, and all the help would come down to which side was more prepared.