Separation
Immediately after meeting the elderly couple, they decided to discuss everything. They were still afraid to go with strangers, as dangers could await them. However, despite their fear, it seemed better than wandering through lands where monster attacks might occur and sleeping like homeless people. Most likely, their instincts guided them, and they decided to follow the couple.
The journey was long, but they managed to reach the massive city gates, where armed guards with long spears greeted them.
— So, this is a spear, — thought Rai.
"After entering the city, they saw the beauty and grandeur of the city," — I would like to tell you, but what they saw was a city of peasants, which served as a defensive wall before the walls of aristocrats and those who stood above them in their hierarchy. The city reminded them of the cities they saw in history textbooks, especially the buildings that closely resembled medieval European architecture. However, the majestic buildings associated with the aristocrats did not allow the heroes to remain waiting. After entering the main city, their classmates saw a city that was completely different from what they had seen after entering through the first gates. While the outskirts had only markets and a few buildings, this part of the city had a completely different atmosphere. People dressed differently, and in their gazes, there was an unmistakable arrogance. People looked at them warily, as if seeing strangers, but still, thanks to the elders accompanying them, they did not feel alone, and this gave them strength to move toward the central building in the heart of the city. Apparently, this was the castle of the ruler of the kingdom of "Ordak."
At the entrance to the castle, they were once again greeted by guards. This time, despite the presence of the elders, they were thoroughly checked before being allowed inside.
— Do not misunderstand the king's guards, — said the man. — Their job is to protect the king from any dangers that could harm his majesty. Our king is truly a magnificent man, chosen by the people. He always does everything for the sake of his people, and the people, in turn, show their loyalty and support. You will understand just how good of a man he is when you meet him personally.
— We hope so, — answered Rai.
And so, the whole group found themselves in the king's residence. Sitting on his throne, the king seemed to embody grandeur and pride. Their hearts trembled because their lives were at risk. This was a world where the laws of society and equality did not apply. The law here was embodied by the person sitting right before them.
The king, after carefully looking at each of them, stood up and began his speech:
— I welcome you, heroes, who have come at the goddess's request to defeat the evil that has engulfed our world. I am Aldar, the king of these lands, who serves as the boundary and protection for all peaceful inhabitants and races, holding back the demon army. But despite our achievements, we can barely hold them off, let alone destroy them. The first demon, who became the first ruler of their race, died at the hands of my ancestors, declaring that he would return and take revenge on us and our people. And now, after all these years, the demons have begun their full-scale preparations for war. That is why we asked the goddess to help us contain these monsters and prevent the coming chaos. She answered us by summoning you and telling us that we must teach you everything and fight alongside you.
Tell me, heroes chosen by the goddess, will you help us free our people and descendants from this eternal terror?
The whole group held their breath. They all imagined what it would be like to live under the threat of an imminent demon attack. Rai was the first to realize that they should not delay their answer before such a person, and quickly replied:
— We will help, but you must understand that not everyone is willing to risk their life for this cause. I would like to ask you to promise that you will not harm those who refuse to participate in this. I cannot speak for them. And even if they refuse, you must respect their choice.
— How dare you ask our king such a thing? Even if you refuse, we will deal with them ourselves! — shouted the guards in the hall at once, to which the king raised his hand, signaling for them to be silent.
— Very well, I understand you, and I promise that I and my servants will respect your choice. However, I would still not refuse help from a few people because the most fierce battle in the history of our kingdom awaits us. If it weren't for my servants and those who see me as their leader, I would beg you to help us, but I must maintain my face before them. So, I hope for a positive answer. For now, you can rest in your rooms. They are already prepared for you, and tomorrow I would like to hear your decisions. Your servants will guide you to your rooms and do everything you ask.
After these words, they went to their rooms, each reflecting on their own thoughts. Rai and her friends were given a huge room with everything necessary for rest. The boys went to another room, where they were awaited by maids. Like all teenagers, their blood was boiling, but what was happening did not allow them to indulge their desires. They all understood that until they settled their relations with the local authorities, they could not act as they pleased.
After all the heroes settled and rested, one maid came and said that the leader was calling them to a meeting. They followed her, even though they wanted to do what she said, they still wanted to discuss some things among themselves. After gathering in a huge hall and sitting in chairs, no one began to speak, but still, Rai took the floor:
— What should we do? How should we proceed?
— I'll join the army, I've always wanted to come to another world and fight demons, — answered Muzaffar.
— I'll join too, — said Mahmud.
— Well, if Mahmud says so, then we'll go too, — said Namoz and Abduhamid.
Though many were afraid, the words of their classmates gave strength to others.
— I'll go too, — answered Nozim.
Soon, Jasur, Abdukodir, Nodir, and Sherzod agreed as well.
— I'll answer a little later, after thinking it over again, — said Izzat.
Rai also said she would go, and although her friends were a bit scared, they said they were ready to follow her. But despite the positive mood, there were still those who refused.
— Alright, tomorrow we'll go to the king and share our decisions, for now, rest. Tomorrow I'll send a maid to the boys to call them, — said Rai.
In the threshold of events, no one noticed that one of their friends was missing among them. Meanwhile, he wandered through the forest, hoping to find something edible and survive among the monsters.