The Five Kings: First Step

Hopian 122 - Jump

Last chapter, Metallic fought Restroid and was able to both defeat- and kill him. He then turned Restroid's remains in for his bounty, but Metallic's temporary joy was interrupted- as electronic billboards all around him started displaying strange messages asking for help.

He soon realized that these were from Amandeath due to the nickname used in the messages, and ran off to the location stated on the billboards.

Metallic assumed that Restroid's soldiers may have kidnapped her, however little did he know that Amandeath already killed most of them. She also took one of the more capable members, Elio, as a hostage- who's Blessing allows him to manipulate electronics.

One hour earlier, in a temporary Hopian Army HQ near the center of the Hopian continent...

Head Commander Prósopsi's P.O.V.

"Alright- thanks for being on time again everyone. Let's make this quick, I do actually have a few important things to note this time though." I announce as I take a seat in our "meeting room", which is really just my office with a few chairs next to my small desk... hey I mean, it's not like formalities are much of a concern at this point.

Ontarus plops down onto one of the metal chairs in front of me, Ufisator stands obviously due to his size- but Aora stays standing as well surprisingly. ...Eh she's been stranger before. Like how she's wearing her blood-stained uniform during our meeting right now. Blegh. Whatever.

"But first- any concerns from you three?" I ask and get a quick response,

"These shifts are fucking killing me man. It's nice that we're helping to keep this place safe- but shit, I don't know how much more of this I can take. This past week I've worked like 16 hours a day, which is all constant patrols and taking down baddies." Ontarus says with a sigh as he adjusts his neon fedora. He's barely been smoking as of late- guess he's taking the job more seriously now, good.

"I understand. These conditions are pretty awful for all of us. Which is why I have an idea I think you all may like. Now that King Metallica and his group are probably scared of the buffed up security, we can potentially lower the amount of patrols-"

"Are you a fool? A decrease in the army's prescence is what caused this problem in the first place. All of this territory's problems are caused by a lack of protection and enforcement of the law. King Metallica is unpredictable, which I discovered from the audio recordings I was able to listen to of his group, before Karia tore out her implanted audio recorder. He potentially killed some of his old allies for- biz... bizorre reasons." Aora tries to say which makes me smile a tiny bit,

"Bizarre- and you're right. A lack of troops in the Hopian Army is a major problem. But keep in mind, our conscription program has already started- which will give us the extra patrollers we need in a few days. Also- I was thinking we could make fake news reports that SAY we're patrolling as much as before, but really we'd lower our shifts by a bit." I explain- yeah I kinda had a feeling Aora wouldn't like this idea.

"You believe "soldiers" trained in a matter of days will be of any help to us? Increase my patrols if you can't handle your jobs then." Aora says with a scoff as she glares at me, Ontarus just laughs in response as he puts his face in his hands.

"The new recruits won't be perfect, but our recent virtual training programs are incredible- compared to what we had even just a year ago. All we really need is patrollers who can call us if they see King and co., and anyone with a gun and bit of training should be able to handle petty crimes decently. Sorry Aora, but I'm not increasing your hours- I know you're strong, but a lack of sleep is dangerous considering our jobs. We can't afford to lose you." I respond.