The words of fear and glory struck the people in the kingdom with an iron hammer. The reality of their situation had not sunk in to the people yet, and to tell the truth, The King and The Council are severely underplaying the situation.
Ignoring a disaster in front of your eyes only happens when you live in a dystopia of rainbows and sunshine. The moment a tragedy hits, there is nothing an unconditioned mind can do, but watch.
Six-thousand years of peace, to be wiped off the face of the earth by a disaster you never thought was real. True peace can never exist, as what would follow, would be nothing.
"I am a farmer that escaped from the outer region. How do I make money to feed my family?"
A valid question resounded through the ears of the king as he thought of an appropriate answer. "I am glad you brought that up. To any farmer who came from the outer region and does not have a way to feed your family, please go to the agriculture guild every fortnight to receive funds to support your family. Show your crest, and you will be given an appropriate amount of funds based on your needs. Housing at the moment is a bit crazy, so please nobles, if you would like to extend your hands to help even one family, please do. I know some of you have already done so, and I can't thank you enough."
"My son wants to help the Kingdom, and he is a Junior Hunter. What does he have to do to get himself a ticket to help the outer region?"
"Excellent Question! The answer is simple, prove your worth in The Catacombs with efficient teamwork and beast killing. The outside is just as dangerous, if not more so. We need people who are not just good at killing beasts, but also good at keeping track of their surroundings."
After each question, a short round of applause was heard, and silenced by Balal. The applauds were not silenced in any fear inducing way, but as a protocol that the people understood to keep the question moving at a fast pace. Hours passed by, and as the king was walking up the bridge towards his magnificent castle, sweat dripped down his face, and into his open mouth with a wide smile. The confidence in his heart was evident for the people to see.
"Elijah, Are you still with us?" Bria asked, as everyone was given the signal to slowly return to their homes.
"Yes ma'am, I am right here." Elijah quickly responded while waving his hand. All kinds of movement were seen around him as people shuttled their bodies away from the Grand Park. Just outside the 5th band, were almost endless amounts of carriages to take anyone from the inner city back to their homes.
"Perfect, since the Weltor Estate is just behind us, we will wait for the Weltor's right here. There is no way they would take the long way round to their home."
"That sounds like a good plan ma'am." Elijah was very worried about what he would say after the gaunt words he would receive from not just his father, but everyone in the household. However, the best case scenario would be someone in the household asking why he left, and maybe including where he went.
"So Elijah, are you going to become a Junior Hunter?" Theon asked as he walked towards Elijah with his brother to his side.
Elijah perked his chest up and responded with confidence. His goal was to make a good impression as he was no longer scared of revealing his affinity, or at least one of his affinities that he still has to absorb. "Yes, I definitely am. I am going to be outside the walls as well. Even as a first year Junior Hunter."
"Wow, that is awesome! Me and Raylen are eyeing those positions as well. Although I can not lie, I wish we were older."
Those words hit Elijah like a train. His age was the only factor holding him back. Even with reaching the bright red core stage at the age of nine, there was almost nothing he could do but improve his strength as fast as possible while watching from the sidelines… "Yes, I do as well. However, it is best to enjoy life while you are young. I can almost guarantee that I will be wishing I was younger the moment my age starts creeping up on me."
"Hahah, you are an interesting kid Elijah. I think you and the twins can be fantastic friends. Tell me, how is your relationship with Novius?"
The moment Bria said those words, Elijah's name was called out by a familiar voice. Novius.
"Elijah! Is that you?!"
Bria noticed this, and muttered some words under her breath. "Not the best from what I can see…"
However, the mood was salted way more than necessary as the deep tone of his father came into play, in public. "Elijah! Why the hell did you leave for the inner city by yourself?! Do you think you can just run off whenever you want?!"
Elijah made a big deal out of the situation by pushing his emotions into his fake reason. "I'm sorry. I-I went to get a blade for the hunter exam. I wasn't able to get it when I went with Novius and Alexia because they didn't have any small knives on hand."
"That doesn't explain why you were gone for almost a day?!"
"I left early in the morning, and was stuck in the city because I had no money. I was saved by generous people who took me in their carriage to the gathering. I'm sorry father, I won't ever do something like that again…" Elijah was able to tell that his father was affected by the madness of the darkness. Phloria, who was pushing father in his wheelchair made by George, had tears running down her cheeks as not a single sound escaped from her mouth. Maybe she was just as angry, but didn't want to make a scene in public.
Novius and Alexia hugged Elijah for completely different reasons right after the family of Elijah finished up their hugs and kisses.
"I hope you know you have to talk about what happened tonight right?" Novius quietly whispered in his ear during his brief and friendly hug.
A nod was seen from Elijah, and moments later, the Weltor household began walking and talking. Dried fruit snacks were handed out to everyone as they entered the estate by the butler. Mango and blueberries were on the snack menu tonight as immune and brain support from the vitamin C and anthocyanidins. Elijah was probably the only person in this world who knew the specific reasons why the kingdom lived specific ways. However, were the specific reasons even necessary, when they came to mostly the same conclusions as Elijah, just by feeling what was right?
The door to the oversized bedroom closed, and seconds later, a simple phrase was spoken. "What took you so long, idiot?
Elijah tried to laugh off his fear by telling them the extremities of every event during his exploration, and what Novius wanted to be a simple test of his suit.