"This world demands strength to survive, ultimate power to thrive, and the willingness to sacrifice to protect our loved ones."
Henry's solemn words carried weight, resonating deeply. Alex found himself admiring the man before him. Leadership, strength, a willingness to sacrifice, and the humility to step aside for the greater good—all traits of a remarkable individual.
"Why me?" Alex asked, his tone even. It was a simple question, yet profound. Henry had plenty of choices, starting with himself. So why choose someone he had only just met?
"In this world, a leader must be invincible. They must stand at the forefront, fighting and defeating the strongest foes. Only such a person can inspire their comrades and build a force that strikes fear into all enemies."
Henry's response was both simple and complex. Alex understood the implication—a leader had to be the strongest. Until now, Henry hadn't met anyone stronger than himself. But after witnessing Alex's prowess in battle and his unwavering protection of his comrades, Henry saw him as the ideal leader.
Alex neither accepted nor refused immediately. He looked at Henry, the silence between them heavy.
"Alright, I agree. But on one condition," Alex finally said, breaking the silence.
Henry's eyes lit up as he asked, "What's your condition?"
"I am the absolute leader. You will be my right hand, but everything will be under my command."
"That's exactly what I expected from a leader," Henry replied with a confident nod, his tone firm yet respectful.
Alex stood, facing Henry. Both men now stood eye to eye. Alex extended his hand, and Henry clasped it firmly. They looked at each other with unspoken understanding.
"From this moment until our last breath, we will fight together, live together, and die together," Alex declared with a commanding voice that filled the room, his words carrying an aura of gravity that permeated every corner.
"From today onward, we live as one and die as one. We will annihilate all enemies and cleanse the world of every threat," Henry responded, his loud voice echoing with resolve. His words confirmed what the others had suspected but awaited to hear aloud.
This moment would later be etched in history as the birth of one of humanity's greatest forces—the invincible army, its unmatched general, and its ultimate leader.
Alex and Henry turned towards the exit, their steps purposeful. Behind them, Mike and the others followed. Terry, still gravely injured, struggled to move, supported by Joanna as they walked.
As they stepped outside, sunlight greeted them, blinding yet comforting. After battling in a world of blood and darkness, the warmth of the sun was a welcome reprieve.
Hundreds were gathered outside the tower, their gazes fixed on the team emerging from within. The sight of Terry, barely able to stand, and the others visibly battered told the story of a fierce battle inside. A foe capable of putting even their strongest in such a state was undoubtedly terrifying.
Philip and John approached them, relief evident on their faces.
"What happened inside? Why is Terry in such a state? The tremors from the building were terrifying," Philip, Henry's younger brother, asked with worry. From the moment they entered the tower, it had quaked with explosions, its ominous aura keeping him on edge. He had tried to enter to check on his brother, but some mysterious force had barred his way.
"It's complicated, and there's no time to explain now. Take everyone inside to settle. We'll meet in the hall to discuss everything," Henry instructed. Philip nodded and turned to organize the crowd, leaving John to approach Alex.
"You're back," John said simply, his tone carrying the weight of his concern. His best friend had returned, and that was all that mattered.
"Yeah, I nearly died a few times, but we sorted it out," Alex replied with a faint smile, sensing John's relief.
"John, did anything happen while we were inside? Did you face any trouble with the Amika?" Alex asked, scanning the surroundings. He had expected the team outside to have been engaged in battle, but the lack of evidence puzzled him. From what Henry and the others had told him, the Amika were relentless, attacking without pause.
"Actually, it's been unusually quiet. No attacks at all. Now that I think about it, it's strange," John replied, his tone tinged with unease.
Alex narrowed his eyes, his thoughts swirling. The absence of the Amika was indeed odd, raising more questions than answers.