Leader

Ixul quickly shouted out a demand, “Give me a weapon!” The crowd began to ruckus as some people started to step up until a middle-aged man came out with an axe that looked oddly similar to something Sorin made with Vanir; how ironic it was for it to be used not for trees again but for killing.

He grabbed the axe firmly. Before walking over next to Sorin, “You have to watch. Don't show weakness when you unfold this entire situation.” He then walked past him towards Boyle. Who, by himself, lowered onto both of his knees before turning his head towards the sky.

“If I have one request, make sure it's a clean cut. I wouldn't want my body to splat out jagged. Burn me and release me. Send me into the Southern continent where the sun is brightest. That's all I request, if I may.” His words flowed to Sorin even if he wasn't looking at him; the intention of the person was obvious.

That's the least I could do. I didn't want things to go this way. That's all I ever repeat. I have a city to bear. Ixul is right; I will stare at this. I will not shed a tear, for this was my choice to give, and I should bear this mistake that I assumed people would understand logic.

Ixul raised the axe, his burly form ready to strike. He knew he had to slash the neck area; that would be the fastest and least painful. He didn't want to hear a dying man cry out either, so he slashed, as the crowd stared, as Sorin stared. All had seen the axe descend until a clean cut had been made.

I wouldn't want this to become a mess; as a leader, I will do the only thing I can and make this easier on everyone. Even if they wanted this.

Sorin took out his hand just as the head detached; he sent out fire towards the body and head with a massive heat hit. There wasn't a scream; that was the worst part. Everyone stared as Sorin burned the body, but it was just silence and the sound of fire and slight crackling, and that's it.

They didn't cheer either; they didn't shout his death. Just silence; they did not regret their choices, however. There was a wide range of smiles on everyone's faces, even if they tried their best to keep it hidden. They were happy he died. But they couldn't just cheer knowing a human died. No matter what, it felt wrong.

Sorin then nodded to Ixul. “Get a container; I will fulfil his wish later myself once everything is stable.”

“Served him right!” Ino spoke up towards Sorin; her eyes were ecstatic. She wanted his death, and that was clear. She was the only one who could voice it, however, and that clearly displeased Sorin.

He glared towards her. But held back for the sake of public image, he turned away from her and then towards the crowd. “Everyone. With this death, we can now begin a new era where we can start to be an equal nation and prevent the east from destroying us.”

I have to appoint people quickly. Time is of the essence. I will let the people rest for a couple of hours, then we will have to rebuild fast; a temporary command structure will be in place. Ixul can handle all the food production and industrial sectors while I get Keldric to oversee the mages.

His eyes darted around; there was nobody else he knew. “I'm looking for a position; I need admin work done for law changes. Who wishes to sign up?” Many people raised their hands as Sorin posed the question; this was going to get him nowhere, but on the corner of his eye, he noticed a group of elves. They were overlooking from the general affairs building, with the judge standing. “Hey, judge. Do you want to continue that part of yours?”

Not like he hates me or anyone here; he likes laws and rules. I think I can trust him enough for this job as the only judge in this city; worst comes to worst, I will find another, but temporarily he is a fine pick.

The judge nodded slowly; his aura beamed out even outside the trial chamber. As no one even challenged him despite being a mage, he was that terrifying.

I suppose I should have Mira as my aide again. I think that covers everything, laws and rules. Food production, military. I suppose construction work is needed too. Even though only this layer is destroyed, we need bridges so people can walk around without seals.

Sorin scanned the ground once more. “I need someone in construction. Bridges must be built between the hubs so we can all access every building freely.”

Without a second thought, a single woman stood up for the job, pushing herself to the front of the crowd. “I will take it.” She wore a tank top and her muscles popped almost too much. “I have been building cottages for ages around here. But I'm in my thirties, don't call me old!” She then shook her head, “I will make those bridges. Let me get my builders and feed them well; I will have them up in a week all around.”

“Keldric, you are in charge of the mages and military. Judges make up new equal rules for everyone to follow. Ixul will begin mass production of hersh with more land given so we stop starving. Finally—” He pointed towards the muscular girl.

“I'm Tani.” She readjusted her tank top in embarrassment at forgetting to self-introduce herself.

“She will take construction. If you have an issue, then take it with the representatives I mentioned. I will answer only urgent news, as I will help with body recovery and overseeing progress while finishing unattended business."

That should be perfectly enough to keep everyone busy with their jobs. I will have my new team take most of the casual requests so I can discuss with Mira, especially on what will happen now. Also, I will have to set up a place for Chikaru.

Sorin nodded in approval before turning towards the crowd one more time. “Everyone, get some rest. We did a great job today, but we can't slack off until we stabilise everything. I will assign Ino,” he gestured to his side. “She will recover everyone who was lost tragically during this. We will hold a proper burning ritual for all of them in three days with the announcement of the new order.”

The crowd cheered before they slowly descended back down the bridge hubs into their own enclosed space. The west will begin anew the first time.