The camps were bustling as many of the recruits joked and laughed, the sounds of chatter filling the air.
While the human camp had many large dining halls, Aurora had thought it best that they have dinner outside for the first night.
The other races had chosen to do the same. While it was far from bridging the differences between them, there was still a sense of camaraderie seeing different campfires lit across the forest.
As the campfires burned into the night, Aurora, who had been with the other Ravensteins, finally excused herself and walked away from the camp and into the forest. Many saw her, but none followed.
After moving a significant distance away from camp, Aurora came to a stop as she heard a familiar voice.
"You need to try smiling more often."
Aurora's head snapped toward the source of the voice.
She snorted the moment she saw who it was.
"I'll do that when you stop dumping your responsibilities on me."
Atticus opened his mouth, then closed it.
Then opened it again.
But no words came out.
A moment later, he sighed in defeat. "Fine, fine." He shoved his hands into his pockets. "So, how's it going?"
Aurora crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly.
"Who do you think you're talking to? I'm a born leader! It's going perfectly."
Atticus rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "And she pretends not to like it…"
"What did you just say?"
Atticus cleared his throat. "Nothing."
"Better."
A brief silence settled between them, the distant crackling of campfires filling the night air.
Then, Aurora's expression turned serious.
"So, how do you want it?"
Atticus paused, thinking for a moment.
Then, his tone shifted, analytical.
"Each race is already divided into different divisions, and I want to leave them like that. Each division has roughly one thousand members, and they will now be called Legions."
Aurora nodded, absorbing his words.
"Each of these races' Legions will collectively form a Battalion."
"I'll leave the choice of Battalion leaders to you. Pick the ones who can command respect. You don't need to like them, just make sure they're competent."
Aurora nodded again.
Atticus went on.
"Now, for the army arrangements, we need to tailor each Battalion to their natural strengths."
He raised a hand, ticking off each race.
"The elves are best suited as rangers. They'll handle long-range attacks, scouting, and maneuver warfare."
"The dwarves will be in charge of construction, weapons maintenance, and heavy infantry. They're sturdy and disciplined."
"The angel Battalion will focus on aerial combat and control. Their ability to fly gives them the best vantage points."
"The demon Battalion are our frontliners. They have sturdy bodies, enhanced regeneration, and superior strength. They'll take the brunt of direct engagements."
Aurora listened intently, taking it all in.
"Each Battalion will focus on these aspects, specialization over generalization."
Atticus's tone shifted slightly, colder now.
"But right now, the most important thing is ensuring they follow your orders. No matter how absurd they may sound."
Aurora raised a brow. "You make it sound like I'll be ordering them to dance naked under the moonlight."
Atticus shrugged. "If it gets them to obey without hesitation, I wouldn't stop you."
Aurora rolled her eyes.
Atticus smirked.
"You don't have to deal with all of them. Just their leaders. Keep them in line, and the rest will follow."
"If there's anything you're good at, it's annoying people."
Aurora's jaw dropped.
"Hey! What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"
Atticus raised his hands. "Just joking, just joking."
Aurora glared.
Atticus chuckled.
"Good luck, then. I'll see you later."
Aurora clicked her tongue, turning on her heel and marching back toward camp, her ponytail swaying behind her.
As Aurora got back to camp, a pair of purple amethyst eyes followed her every move.
Another ache assaulted Zoey's chest. She had hoped that Atticus would come to address them again so she could use the opportunity to talk to him. But it seemed the latter had no intention of appearing in front of them anytime soon.
'You'll have to go to him,' Lumindra advised.
'I know.'
'You have to do it fast. The longer you wait, the harder it will get.'
Zoey let out a heavy breath, nodding.
As the night went on, the recruits later retired to their respective shelters.
The morning air was crisp, but the camp was anything but peaceful.
A series of dissatisfied grumbles filled the grounds as groggy recruits stretched, some rubbing sleep from their eyes, others muttering under their breath.
"QUIT YOUR DAMN WHINING!"
A booming voice cut through the morning stillness like a blade through flesh.
Many flinched on instinct, heads snapping toward the source.
Aurora stood atop a large rock, arms crossed, eyes blazing with authority.
"We're going for a run around the island! And guess what? NO MANA."
A chorus of groans erupted, but Aurora wasn't finished.
"You better get used to it, because this will be a daily occurrence!"
Her tone left no room for argument.
Some of the recruits looked at each other in pure horror, while the members of the White Omen merely sighed, already accepting their fate. They were used to this.
Her orders stretched far into the camp of the other races, who stared at each other with baffled gazes.
"Division leaders! See me for a meeting, NOW." Aurora commanded.
Minutes later, a large gathering of division leaders formed, a mix of humans and members from the other races.
Because of Atticus's orders, the humans had to cross the trench in order to attend the meeting together.
The human leaders stood confidently on one side, humanity held the power here, while the leaders of the other races carried an undercurrent of tension, standing silently on the other side.
Aurora wasted no time, her voice sharp and direct as she laid out everything Atticus had told her the night before.
She spoke fast, her words clear, not bothering to sugarcoat anything.
By the time she finished, most of them understood the structure, but the moment of silence that followed didn't last.
A hand shot into the air.