Realm Lord
Chapter 171: The Seat and He Who Fills It

Chapter 171: The Seat and He Who Fills It

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Port base as Cara dismissed Arthur and Aziel. Her voice carried the weight of authority that had been earned through countless battles, each word measured and deliberate.

"Take the rest of the day to get situated," she said, her piercing gaze shifting between the two of them. "Your temporary quarters are in Building 4, second floor, room 247. The keycards are at the reception desk." She paused, studying their faces. "We’ll reconvene tomorrow morning at 0800 hours to discuss whats next. For now, familiarize yourselves with the base layout and get some food."

Arthur felt the lingering ache in his muscles from their sparring session, each movement a reminder of just how outclassed he had been. The memory of Cara’s overwhelming power still sent shivers down his spine—the way she had moved with such fluid grace, her light-based abilities creating a dazzling display that had left him blinded and completely outmaneuvered.

Aziel maintained his characteristic confidence as they made their way through the base.

"This place is massive," Aziel commented, his voice filled with genuine awe as they walked along the main thoroughfare. The Port base stretched out before them like a small city, with its network of interconnected buildings, training grounds, and defensive installations. Personnel moved with purpose along the well-maintained pathways, their uniforms bearing the distinctive insignia of various guilds.

Arthur nodded in agreement, his eyes taking in the impressive architecture.

They passed by Building 2, which housed the administrative offices and briefing rooms, its windows gleaming. The training grounds they had just left were visible in the distance, with other groups of soldiers now heading toward it.

"I’m starving," Arthur muttered, his stomach growling audibly as they approached Building 1. The structure loomed before them, wider than it was tall, its bulk suggesting it served multiple functions beyond just housing the mess hall.

Building 1 wasn’t the tallest structure in the base—that distinction belonged to the command tower that rose like a sentinel from the center of the complex—but it was undoubtedly the most substantial in terms of sheer volume. Its broad facade was punctuated by large windows that offered glimpses of the bustling activity within.

They approached the entrance, where massive double doors made of reinforced steel stood slightly ajar. The doors were clearly designed to withstand significant force. Arthur had to put his full weight behind one of the doors to push it open, the hinges creaking slightly under the strain.

The interior that greeted them was startlingly familiar—a vast cafeteria that bore an uncanny resemblance to the dining hall at the academy. Rows of long tables stretched across the polished floor, each capable of seating a dozen people. The walls were adorned with banners representing different guilds, their colors vibrant against the neutral tones of the interior.

At the far end of the room, a serving line had formed in front of a series of open windows that provided access to the kitchen beyond. The aroma of hearty food wafted through the air—roasted meats, fresh bread, and what smelled like a robust vegetable stew. Arthur’s stomach responded with another insistent growl.

"Just like back at the academy," Arthur murmured to himself, the familiarity of the scene triggering a flood of memories. The chatter of voices, the clatter of utensils, the organized chaos of a military dining facility—it all felt like stepping back in time.

They joined the line, moving slowly as each person ahead of them was served generous portions by the kitchen staff. The servers, wearing clean white aprons over their uniforms, worked with practiced efficiency, ladling out portions and ensuring everyone received adequate nutrition.

When their turn came, Arthur accepted a bowl of the aromatic stew, thick with chunks of meat and vegetables, accompanied by a slice of freshly baked bread and a piece of fruit. The steam rising from the bowl carried the comforting smell of herbs and spices, promising a satisfying meal after their exhausting day.

With their trays in hand, they surveyed the dining area for an available table. Most were occupied by groups of soldiers engaged in animated conversations about missions, or the latest base gossip. Arthur spotted an empty table near one of the large windows, offering a view of the courtyard beyond.

They settled into their seats, the familiar weight of their trays bringing back countless memories of shared meals at the academy. Arthur began to eat mechanically, his spoon moving from bowl to mouth while his mind wandered to earlier, simpler times.

The taste of the stew was surprisingly good—hearty and flavorful, clearly prepared by someone who understood the importance of proper nutrition. The bread was warm and crusty, perfect for soaking up the rich broth. Yet despite the quality of the meal, Arthur found his appetite somewhat diminished by the weight of his memories.

As he looked around the bustling dining hall, his gaze inevitably fell upon the chair across from him where Aziel sat. In his mind’s eye, he could almost see Luke sitting there, his hair falling across his forehead as he animatedly discussed famous chosen or complained about their instructors’ demands. Luke had always been the more talkative of the two, filling comfortable silences with observations and jokes that had made even the most mundane meals enjoyable.

’Just like back at the academy,’ Arthur thought, his chest tightening with a familiar ache. ’Only difference is...’ His thoughts turned dark as he stared at where his best friend used to sit across from him.

He quickly shook his head, forcing the threatening memories back into the depths of his consciousness where they belonged. This wasn’t the time or place for such thoughts. He needed to focus on the present, on this district, on becoming strong enough to ensure that what happened to Luke never happened to anyone else he cared about.

"You alright?" Aziel’s voice cut through his reverie, concern evident in his tone despite his usual casual demeanor.

Arthur looked up from his stew, realizing he had been staring blankly at his food for several minutes. "What? O-oh... y-yeah, I’m fine," he stammered, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Aziel gave him a skeptical look, his sharp eyes studying Arthur’s face. It was clear he didn’t believe the hasty reassurance, but after a moment of consideration, he seemed to decide against pressing the issue.

"Anyway, dude, that fight was absolutely crazy!" Aziel exclaimed, his voice taking on an excited tone as he changed the subject. "You were awesome out there... for a second at least. But holy shit, Cara is insane! Did you see the way she moved? It was like watching light itself take human form."

Arthur couldn’t help but chuckle at his friend’s enthusiasm, grateful for the distraction from his darker thoughts. "Yeah, she’s... amazing," he agreed, the word carrying layers of meaning—respect, admiration, and perhaps a touch of fear at the sheer magnitude of her abilities.

Aziel’s expression shifted to one of youthful bravado, his chest puffing out slightly as he leaned back in his chair. "I mean, she’s alright, but I’m sure I could handle her if it came down to it," he declared with the confidence.

Arthur nearly choked on his stew, a laugh escaping him despite his best efforts to maintain composure. "Oh yeah?" he asked, his voice heavy with skepticism and amusement. "Take it from me—you can’t."

Aziel’s head snapped toward Arthur in disbelief, his eyes widening with indignation. "What? Of course I can! Light magic is lame anyway. Lightning is way cooler and way more powerful!"

Arthur squinted his eyes, grinning at his friend’s characteristic overconfidence. "Uhh, aren’t they like... the same thing?"

Aziel practically launched himself forward, leaning over the table with a shocked expression that suggested Arthur had just committed some form of heresy. "What?! No way! They’re totally different! Light is just... light! But lightning is raw power, destruction, the fury of the storm itself!"

Arthur chuckled softly at his friend’s passionate defense of his abilities. "Oh yeah? Whatever you say," he conceded, not wanting to argue the finer points of the differences in the middle of their meal.

His expression grew more serious as he continued, "But it really is incredible... that someone could be as powerful as Cara while still being just a Chosen realm cultivator. It makes you think about just how powerful she’ll be years from now when she advances to the next realm."

Aziel rolled his eyes, his earlier enthusiasm dimming slightly. "Yeah, that’s if she ever moves up realms. You heard it too, right? Her core has been completely filled for a long time now, but she hasn’t advanced to the next realm yet. She literally can’t become any stronger than she is right now until she breaks through to the next level."

Arthur nodded thoughtfully, having heard the same back when he researched her months ago. "Yeah, but the only reason she hasn’t advanced yet is because she wants to help here in District 3. If she moves up realms, who knows when she’ll make it back to continue the fight here. So she’s staying at her current level until everything in District 3 is properly settled and secure."

The implications of Cara’s sacrifice weren’t lost on either of them. To voluntarily limit one’s own growth for the sake of others was a level of selflessness that few could claim. It spoke to her character and her commitment to the cause, but it also highlighted the dire situation they all found themselves in.

As they finished their meal in contemplative silence, both young men couldn’t help but feel the weight of their responsibilities settling more heavily on their shoulders. They were part of something larger now, something that demanded everything they had to give and more.

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