Chapter 68: Recruitment.

The sound of birds chirping mixed with the distant thrum of an active factory down below. The slanted windows now illuminated a cloud of dust and smoke that seemed to slowly occupy the atmosphere.

In the room, the round table was filled with people. First, the leader, his eyes ever the mysterious gray, seemed to stare blankly as he was in deep thought, while beside him sat Grant, his armor glinting from the sun's kiss.

Sitting on the other side of Grolf was Aira, her ruby eyes dim and unreadable. Across from her was Ryan, his calculative demeanor unchanged. The Gazaretti brothers, along with Ruck, were also present.

"Not very long ago," Grolf began, his voice deep and resonant. "None of us saw Azkai survival possible. We had even given up, ready to die fighting," the leader's voice trailed.