"We're going into battle."
"War."
A chilling silence descended upon the crowd, thick and immediate. Then, like a festering wound, murmurs resumed, growing louder, more agitated.
"War…?"
"Just for bandits?!"
"This is just… madness!" These exclamations, raw and incredulous, cut clearly through the rising clamor.
Marichi's gaze swept across the faces around him, watching the people shift and mutter, a tide of discontent.
War…
He lowered his head, his eyes fixed on the tumultuous crowd.
I have to find a way to inform Blutsatchel and the others.
They need to know.
They need to prepare.
He raised his head, his eyes now alight with a fierce determination.
Shimon stood frozen, his entire body trembling, rooted to his spot. Not even a breath escaped his parted lips.
"Father." Zeke said, his voice sharp, his eyes fixed on Danto, who merely stared back, his expression unreadable.
