Packing up things was the first thing we finished up and we left the inn in a hurry.
The center of the city was our destination as the soul gate was located there.
As we passed by the streets, we saw many people heading towards the center of the city and as we arrived, people were already encircling several dozens of people.
I looked at them as we made our way towards the crowd.
Our source energy is releasing faintly for normal people to feel and make a way for us.
Our arrival caused almost all the people there to gaze our way.
However, most of their gazes were directed towards Anaia. The reason for it was quite obvious even if she was wearing a mask.
As we arrived the city lord continued his speech and people around us unconsciously began to listen carefully.
He was at most at the peak of 2nd Phase and in this world it's already an insanely difficult feat.
As for me, I was just rising up the ranks too quickly.
"As I said before the empire was generous enough to send us a hero and five of their knights to help us defeat the 'world devourer' in the soul world.
Now then, let me introduce to you the hero and the knights.
Astrius, one of the heroes of the empire and with him being at the peak of the second Phase he will be the leader of the said 100 people.
Next are the five knights of the empire that will also help us in this trial.
Arus, a fire attributed knight capable of burning even steel.
The same goes for knight Erean, he is also someone who has a fire attribute.
After them will be the three knights who wield the sky attribute which is great against water attributes.
Knight Antonio,
Knight Brogues, and lastly,
Knight Forresia, who is the strongest of the three."
The six mentioned people walked next to the city lord one after another and they greeted the crowd who cheered for them in a humble manner.
Then the city lord continued.
"As for why most of their attributes are strong against water or at least capable of neutralizing it, it's because of one reason.
We found the name of the said world.
The world is named 'Thallasia' and it's a world inhabited by sea dwellers. As for what kind of sea dwellers, you will find out yourself once you enter.
Remember, defeating a 'world devourer' is a difficult thing which is close to impossible if your Phase is lower than them.
That is why you must all be patient and united, work together to perform feats of glory and come back without much casualties!
I wish you all the best of luck.
Citizens of Aurelia, with grit and determination, persevere!"
"PERSEVERE!"
They all shouted in unison after the city lord's speech. It seems as if they've become one in mind and spirit after his speech. Now that's what I call charisma.
At the same moment he left, the hero stepped forward and looked towards the crowd.
His eagle-like gaze caused some of the people to send shivers down their spine.
He looked like a hunter looking for his prey. Then, after observing all the people in the crowd he spoke up. His voice filled with pride.
"As you all know, the maximum number of people allowed in the soul world is a hundred people. For that reason, the six of us will select 9 people and as for the rest of the four leaders, volunteer yourself and gather 9 people for your team."
Many volunteered but he only accepted the four of them.
One was a bulky man, his demeanor was strong and just by looking at him you could already tell he was strong.
After him volunteered a woman, the moment she did that many people had her doubtful gaze, but when she showed her strength by beating up the guy who mocked her, their doubts no longer remain.
Following after her was a petite looking girl but this time no one sent doubtful gazes, they even cheered.
It seems the petite looking woman was quite famous in this city, she was wearing a witch hat and held a book in her hands. She must be a wizard or something like that.
Then finally, Anaia raised her hand and before others could even disagree, she released her aura, her source energy that is no weaker than the hero.
It made others look at her in awe and most people here would undoubtedly join her as having someone strong as a leader increases your chances of surviving.
We moved to the next stage and that was to gather members. As Anaia had a discerning eye the other 9 also did and they only picked those who were at the second Phase.
So other than the three of us, me, Amelia, and Mai, all others were of the second Phase.
Afterwards, we all gathered up by teams of ten with the leader in front of the soul gate.
Unlike what I thought that it would be like those in manhwas. The gate was much different. There was no portal, only a distorted space where you can even see through it.
But looking at distorted space I felt a sense of danger that one mistake could take my life.
Then, without wasting any time the leading team led by the hero moved in the soul gate first in a horizontal line so that they could enter together at the same time and their body turned blurry as they were sucked into that space.
They looked like spaghetti for a moment before they disappeared as they moved into the distorted space.
After them, the others naturally followed and what happened to the first team also happened to them until finally it was our turn.
However.....
At the same time Anaia was halfway through the gate I paused.
The danger I felt with my instinct grew stronger and before Anaia could even react to the snake, Nika, around her shoulders leaped towards me and wrapped around my neck comfortably.
When Anaia noticed this she had already entered the gate and so did the others, including Mai and Amelia.
That means.....
I'm the only one left.
Because of one moment of hesitation.
______________________________________________Author:
Forgot to hunt monsters?