The time of battle was now less than forty‑eight hours away. The troops gathered around the mansion as Light, Luke, Ice, and Sophie stepped onto the stage. Luke raised his fist.
"Humanity!" The crowd roared, a thunder that shook the ground."It's time to take our rightful place!" Luke shouted. "We might not make it back… but I'll be damned if we leave with nothing!" The crowd exploded again louder, fiercer, unstoppable. Luke wore battle gear from the Militia. Light had prepared equipment for everyone guns for some, swords for all. Professional snipers stood ready. Special forces lined up. And at the center of it all the heroes. Luke and Ice dressed modestly. Sophie wore knight armor gifted by Johan. All the leaders mounted horses to lead the march. Albert rolled up in the famous bus, packed with people. Behind him came small tanks, other buses, armored trucks even a helicopter. Light had brought out every weapon, every vehicle, every tool he had. Light climbed into the helicopter. Everyone else marched.Thomas looked around and saw Pooch wearing armor Johan had crafted for him, sitting proudly on a tiny pony. "Master," Pooch asked, "will I be with you or Sophie this battle?" Thomas placed a hand on his shoulder. "I want and need you to keep an eye on Sophie. Make sure she stays well kept." Pooch saluted sharply. "Yes, master!" He hurried off, pony trotting beneath him. Riot stood nearby stoic, silent, emotionless. He looked like a young Edwin, and Thomas felt it in his chest."Riot," Thomas said, "you ready?" Riot looked at him with the eyes of a man carved from conviction. He nodded once.Thomas thought, Riot hasn't spoken a word since the broadcast… but he's gifted indeed. Luke rode forward. "Warriors!" The crowd lifted spears, flags, torches roaring so loud it shook the sky.Luke smiled. "I think we're ready." Thomas nodded. "We are." Luke raised his arm forward. "Humanity… to eternity!" The roar that followed sent chills down every spine. Even the demons hiding in the shadows felt it watching from cracked buildings, from rooftops, from the ruins.They whispered among themselves This is not an army of desperation. This is an army of determination. The demon watched until the last soldier disappeared into the sunset marching toward destiny.