Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

William, Kier, and Nathan, the trustworthy guard, left the city via an alternate route.

"I think it's better we avoid the main gate," Nathan said. "The other guards will recognize me, and I don't trust everyone."

Nathan's caution was appreciated by William. Even Jhen, who had seemed trustworthy, had ultimately betrayed him. It was always better to be careful. Fortunately, Nathan knew other unguarded exits, or at least ones manned by people he trusted.

They left the city and headed towards the king's encampment. As they approached, the king called out, "Who's there?"

Upon seeing the king's face, Nathan knelt and wept, "My king, you're safe! You've returned! All of us need you!"

Nathan had endured much since the noble family seized the throne, and life had been far from easy for most. The king understood this, and it saddened him to see Nathan's reaction, knowing that only 500 people would leave the island alive.

"Explain the situation to him," William said. "I've already explained, but he'll only believe it coming from you. This man is someone we can trust. He knew I was going to the palace and didn't warn anyone about it."

"Oh?" the king said, surprised.

The king then reiterated the same dire explanation William had given back in the tavern.

Nathan's shock was absolute; he now believed the story completely.

"So only 500 of us will leave this island alive? Are you sure we can't win?" Nathan pressed, his voice tight.

William's answer cut through the air. "No, it's impossible. We cannot close that portal. Enemies will keep pouring from it, endlessly, until one day we are all dead. We must run if we want to survive."

A long time ago, humans had brutally eradicated the demonic race, twisting their history to paint them as inherently evil and deserving of death. But that, undeniably, was a lie. And now, they sought to finish the job, aiming to extinguish the demon race forever.

William, along with the royal family, fiercely opposed this. Leaving with 500 was their only option. To stay meant absolute annihilation, the worst fate imaginable.

"So, Nathan? Are you willing to help us, the royal family, get the necessary people to rebuild our race? It is either this or perishing all together on this island," the king pledged.

The sheer weight of the king's words slammed into Nathan, leaving no doubt: he had to act.

"I will help," he declared, his voice firm. "I know many people in the city—farmers, merchants, and more. You don't have to worry about it; just give me the task, and I will gather everyone. I only ask for your protection. The commotion will draw attention."

William and the king exchanged a swift, meaningful glance, both nodding in unison. It was their paramount duty to protect Nathan, ensuring he could safely gather every soul they needed.

The city was vast enough; they wouldn't need to venture further for recruits. To press deeper into the island would invite only greater peril. That was the domain of the relentless war, and of the treacherous nobles who craved the royal family's demise. Retreat was their only sensible path.

Without further delay, William, Kier, and Nathan set out. Their first objective: the farmers, who resided beyond the city walls.

Gathering them first was a strategic move to avoid widespread alarm. They moved discreetly, visiting the familiar farmhouses of those Nathan knew. Yet, when the farmers saw Nathan approaching with two armed strangers, a ripple of worry swept through them.

"Nathan? Is everything alright?" a voice quavered.

Nathan spoke to them, his words urgent as he laid bare the terrifying truth of their impending doom. Without hesitation, every single one agreed to abandon the island. No one, not a single soul, wished to remain and face certain death.

Relief flooded through the farmers, their gratitude profound that Nathan had chosen them.

One of them, a grizzled man, stepped forward, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for choosing me and my family to leave the island and survive," he said. "You are a true friend, Nathan—a savior."

Nathan offered a faint, reassuring smile, waving a dismissive hand. "It was nothing," he said. "Just keep this a secret. I'll gather everyone else necessary today, so we can escape tomorrow."

"Understood," the man affirmed, his gaze hardening with resolve. "We'll prepare things."

The farmers immediately began preparing their meager belongings. They mourned leaving their livestock behind, but meticulously packed essential food supplies and precious seeds for replanting. William had stressed this point relentlessly: they must carry their own provisions. Feeding 500 people without personal stores would be an impossible task.

The multi-day journey back to the palace made adequate provisions a non-negotiable necessity.

With the farmers secured, they turned their attention to the daunting task of entering the city. Merchants, tailors, blacksmiths, and even powerful mages were now their targets. This was the true crucible of their mission.

Word traveled like wildfire in the bustling city, and spies loyal to the nobles would quickly learn that William and Nathan were assembling a force. They would come for them, more precisely, they would come for Nathan.

William and Kier receded into the city's shadows, their gazes fixed on Nathan from a strategic distance. They kept their distance, a calculated move. If Nathan was being watched, their covert presence would remain undetected, ensuring that their protection—and their connection—stayed a secret. It was better to keep it that way.

During the first hours, Nathan approached countless citizens. Like the farmers before them, the majority quickly agreed to leave, placing their trust in him. A few, inevitably, dismissed him as a madman, but their skepticism was drowned out by the rising tide of hope.

Their deep adoration for the royal family fueled their resolve: escaping the island with their beloved monarchs was a desperate chance they eagerly embraced.

Besides, the chilling truth was no secret: the enemy's portal was an unyielding maw, impossible to seal. Every citizen knew the tide of foes would never cease. They simply could not fight forever.