Cherreads

Chapter 5 - Introductions

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kluas Hargraves. I summoned you here to join my army because the simple truth is this world is most likely destined for war," Klaus began.

"Okay, I guessed that, but why bring us instead of finding people here for your army?" Oliver asked.

"Two reasons. First, with my power, I can summon a near infinite number of soldiers in exchange for gold. Second is that the main factions all already have their own armies. Recruiting soldiers won't be easy, and humans in this world can't use magic like you guys. They would be lambs for slaughter."

"Okay, what are these factions fighting?" Alexandros asked curiously 

"The angel race, the fallen angel race, the devils, and all religious pantheons," Klaus listed.

"I get that forces of good and evil are odds, but why are they in conflict now?" Angelus asked

"A few reasons, the first and foremost reason...God in this world is gone; whether he is missing or dead, he is gone. Because of gods like Zeus and Odin, and other god-kings, they will attempt to become the central figure. Second, the Fallen angels are trying to create as much chaos as they can by collecting all of the legendary weapons of this world. Last but not least, the old devil faction from Lucifer is attempting to overthrow the new devil faction that strives for peace," Klaus began to explain, using the best information he could remember.

"Well...that is quite the war...what makes you think you can fight a war like that?" Oliver asked

"Because my ability also allows me to make my soldier stronger with training. While giving me other benefits," Klaus replied

"The why only summon use for do you lack gold?" Fayeth asked, tilting her head in confusion

"No, that's not the problem. The reason I only summon four is that each of you strives in a class I struggle with. I will be honest, I'm not yet a leader. But before I can be one, I need to have the strength to lead. I am not arrogant enough to lead as I am, so I ask each of you not as your leader but from one person to another to teach me. Allow me to grow so that one day I can lead you all," Klaus said with a deep bow as his determination rang out.

...

'Please don't say no,' Klaus began thinking to himself as none of them responded.

"...Alright, I will help you," Oliver replied, causing Klaus to look up in excitement.

"In truth, I have seen many people die under leaders who lack experience, and the fact that you are willing to accept your shortcomings is a step in the right direction," Oliver explained with a grin.

[Loyalty: 55/100]

"I am willing to help, too. I may not be a teacher, but I shall do my best," Angelus added.

[Loyalty: 55/100]

"Same here, I don't know this world, and you seem honest, so I will stick around," Fayeth said jokingly.

[Loyalty: 55/100]

"I will be happy to help a handsome boy like yourself...But I will require something of you," Alexandros said, an eerie grin on his face.

[Loyalty: 55/100]

"Uhm, what do you want?" Klaus asked nervously

"Oh, I will keep that to myself for now," Alexandros said, giving Klaus a wink.

'Val, what's going to happen?'

{Don't look at me, host. I may have a long list of abilities, but seeing the future is not one of them.} Val quickly replied

"Well, boss, what's first on the list?" Fayeth asked

"Well, the truth is I plan to stay on this mountain for the next two months. I want enough time to practice my magic and learn the basics of swordsmanship. The mountain is filled with monsters to fight and gain experience with," Klaus explained.

"Okay, that's not a problem, but do we have enough supplies to manage that?" Oilver asked 

"Yes, I have enough to last us a while," Klaus replied

"Well then, if we are to build you up to be a great leader, we have to start your training as soon as possible. Oliver, right?" Alenxadros said, looking over at Oliver

"Yes, that's my name."

"You can take him the first five hours of the day, training his endurance and discipline. Angelus can train his magic next, building his mana reserves and metal strength. After that, he will go with Fayeth and train his dexterity and reaction speed. I will train his strength, durability, and more endurance training," Alexandros said, listing out Klaus' new training regimen with a slight grin.

"That works for me. I like getting my workouts in the morning," Oliver replied

"I'm fine with that too, but I might need some books to assist Klaus," Angelus agreed.

"As long as I get to go hunting every day, I don't really care what happens," Fayeth said with a grin of excitement.

"Once again, thank you all. I truly mean it, so allow me to cook you dinner before it gets too late," Klaus said as he brought an advanced camping set.

Seeing the sudden pile of cooking ware appear before Klaus, they all watched as he created a fire with his pure red flames and began cooking a meal. 

Taking out some meat, vegetables, water sacks, and buying some bread, Kluas brought some seasonings from the store and began making steak with a spicy vegetable stew. 

As the water boiled, Klaus began cutting up the vegetables and trimming the steaks, tossing the potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, onions, peas, and celery into the water, and then moved on to cooking the steaks. 

Cutting some newyork strips, Klaus began seasoning them, and the butter melted in the pan. Once the steaks hit the pan and the smell reaches the other, they all look on in anticipation of the food.

"That smells amazing, Klaus. Were you a cook?" Angelus asked

"Yeah, I loved to cook before...but that seems to be a lifetime away now," Klaus said, whispering the last part.

As he finished the food, he brought out plates and bowls and served everybody their dinner.

Looking down at the delicious food in excitement, they all took a bite. 

"HMMMMM!!!" they all said in amazement as they tasted the food.

"T-this is amazing..." Fayeth said in shock.

"I know I don't think I have ever stayed at an Inn that served food this good," Oliver said as he devoured his steak

"Spectacular. The church of Seluin would kill to have food this good every night," Angelus said as she took another spoonful of her stew.

"Boy, you just keep making me like you more. Keep this up, I will never let you go," Alexandros joked.

x4 [Loyalty: 60/100]

'I did not think food would help raise their loyalty, ' Klaus thought with a small laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck.

More Chapters