Chapter 181: The Meaning of Leadership
Lead the charge!
Lord Lin Ke, in such a situation, still wants to lead the charge!
"Lord Lin Ke..."
Someone murmured.
"Young Master Lin Ke!"
Those who called Young Master Lin Ke were all from Azaenn Castle.
Whether they were slaves, servants, followers, or those nobles and professionals, they all felt their emotions change.
"Haha, Mr. Lin Ke's words are more inspiring than my poetry." Lamiel smiled.
"Tch, you're so full of yourself. How can you compare to the young master?" Lolita rolled her eyes as they maintained order.
"Indeed, indeed." Princess Rica ate a sour candy with a relaxed expression: "The one I fancy is the best."
"Young Master Lin Ke..." Knicks' tear glands overflowed with tears, touched beyond measure.
"Young master, I will follow you forever." John, who was arranging accommodation, solemnly swore to the sky, and those around him revered him in turn.
Sophie, Watson, Granny Hisai, Bald Jack, Little Yale, Lady Heishan...
Everyone's thoughts were fully stirred by Lin Ke. The followers who would never betray now felt a strong sense of worship towards Lin Ke.
Their lord was the greatest and most noble-spirited lord they had ever seen!
Following such a lord was their honor!
Even without following, just being his servant and working hard made them feel bathed in glory!
"My people, pick up everything you can as a weapon! Charge with me!"
Lin Ke shouted, then descended the fortress wall with Ove. In the distance, Lin Ke heard cheers and clamor from within the fortress.
When he reached the bottom of the wall, some folks were below, looking at Lin Ke with eager anticipation.
"Lord Lin Ke, this is homemade cheese from my family... I have no money, I only brought this."
An old woman, holding two small grandchildren, tremblingly offered a small piece of dusty cheese.
Among those around, there were middle-aged men, toddlers of three years old, elderly folks in their eighties...
There were all kinds of people.
They all gazed at Lin Ke with eyes full of gratitude and reverence.
The people have always known.
Everything those above them do is crystal clear to those below.
The people of Azanen knew who Lin Ke was fighting for.
Their Young Master Lin Ke could have fled with that legendary figure more powerful than the gods, yet he chose to stay.
For many nobles, this might seem foolish, sluggish, and unworthy.
But in the eyes of the people...
"Alright, I'll try it; you keep the rest for yourself." In their eyes, Lin Ke saw his own reflection.
In the gaze of the nobles, he was himself; in the eyes of the people, he was a noble.
"Lord Lin Ke, these are eggs from my family!"
"Young master, try some dried fruit."
"Young Master Lin Ke..."
The common folk didn't know how to express their feelings, they only felt like giving Lin Ke the best they had.
Lin Ke felt even more moved.
This is the real return from the people.
Not material, but this trust, support, admiration, and reverence.
Suddenly, Lin Ke felt something shatter within his heart.
[Decision task completed!]
[You will lead your people to create miracles and great achievements belonging to Azanen! No matter how it begins or ends, as long as the Azanen people exist, Azanen will rise indefatigably!]
[Reward: [Leader] profession.]
Task... completed.
A flash of realization crossed Lin Ke's eyes.
The trait of the [Leader] profession is only one.
Trait — "The People".
Lin Ke closed his eyes, entering the Soul Space. All insights from past and present flowed through him.
The "Leader" bloodline slightly trembled, branching out to form another twig.
On one side was [Knight], and on the other was [Leader].
The profession of [Leader]!
At the same time, Lin Ke sensed that a portion of the energy from [Knight] was being diverted to [Leader].
Level Two [Leader]!
The "Leader" bloodline lightly quivered, and a skill emerged naturally.
[Leader] exclusive skill — Destiny in Unity.
Feeling this mere level two skill, a flash of shock appeared in Lin Ke's eyes.
This skill... is very special!
Very similar, or perhaps extremely similar to Sophie's score!
Perhaps it will come in handy later!
With this thought in mind, Lin Ke opened his eyes and looked at the villagers beside him, softly speaking: "Rest assured, people of Azanen, before I fall, the fortress will not be breached."
He ordered everyone to retreat, and knowing they would only create trouble, they all returned inside the fortress.
Lin Ke gazed into the distance, seeing a black line spreading over.
It seemed those refugees from the far north had already perished...
Lin Ke's expression turned solemn once more, as he activated the amplifying spell with Ove's help: "Everyone, get ready!"
With a command, the young and strong men who trained for no more than two hours picked up swords, spears, shields, and stood by both sides of the fortress.
One side faced the great swamp to prevent a possible flank attack.
The other side faced the dark, dense beast horde from the north.
At this moment, Ove also took to the skies. As a legendary figure, he could not intervene in non-legendary battles, only ensuring Lin Ke's survival.
This was also what Lin Ke required, as he suspected that the strong figure who gave him the Staff of Annihilation was closely monitoring the situation here.
To prevent Ove, one of his last trump cards, from being transported away, Lin Ke decided that Ove should just watch for now.
His backup plan was the Staff of Annihilation!
Perhaps, there could be another addition, the newly emerged [Leader] skill — Destiny in Unity.
While Lin Ke was deep in thought on the back of a cattle, the People's Knight Order had already taken their positions.
Behind the People's Knight Order were the guards, the swordsmen, shield-bearers, archers, and other units trained by Lin Ke himself.
In the final line of defense were the malnourished commoners.
Some wielded scythes, some hammers, others held sharpened branches and sticks, all with tense expressions gazing into the distance.
"Ah, Azanen, beautiful Azanen!
The noble princess sang love songs here,
The youthful Lion King rose to power here!
The everlasting summer still stands the great wall,
Even the sun cannot cause everything to fade away..."
Lamiel began to use his strongest skill. His magic power, carried by his singing, spread far and wide, greatly enhancing the strength and agility of everyone within a three-mile radius.
Meanwhile, Sophie also started singing her "Territory of Destiny":
"Willpower, is our only belief!
Spirit, lets us stand firm!
The mighty torrent of destiny
Cannot deter us..."
Sophie's song and Lamiel's poetry echoed together, dispelling the panic and fear within everyone's hearts.
"People of Azanen! I shall lead the charge!"
With these words, Lin Ke raised the enchanted iron sword high, and a glowing flag hung above him.
First-level magic — Illumination Spell!
This was the Illumination Spell Ove cast for him!
This Illumination Spell was crimson like blood, this was the flag of Azanen!
The Azanen Flag!
Thus, in everyone's eyes, Lin Ke's position became vividly visible.
Of course, it was the same for the beasts on the opposite side.
"The glory of Azanen shall rise indefatigably!"
Lin Ke shouted: "Better to die than to live without purpose! We shall not sacrifice in vain! The Human Race will not cower before them!"
"We know clearly why we fight!"
"People, be strong! They may destroy our bodies, but they will never crush our spirits!"
"Drive them from our land! Let them return to their jungles and swamps!"
"Remember, what it is we are protecting!"
"Look ahead... it is now!"
The tide of magical beasts approached from the distance. Lin Ke raised the iron sword high, shouting: "Everyone, charge!"