After being asked why Jin Wang remembered the reason he came here in the first place.
"I have to take care of a few things in the prison but first I need to find someone. Is there anyone among you that has telepathic powers? Hypnosis, possession, compulsion, psionic manifestation, anything of the sort?"
But they stared back at him with blank faces. Fulke looked at the others and answered for everyone.
"N-No, I don't think so."
"Of course not. Do you have any idea how rare those abilities are?" Hazel chimed in.
But as it had almost become custom now Rhisiat once again raised his hand hesitantly, "I have stronger than average spiritual sense but nothing specific."
Jin Wang waved his hand absentmindedly, "Na, that won't help. I need someone that can get inside a person's head or maybe even control them to a degree."
He sighed and turned around to leave, "Nevermind, will have to think of another way then I guess…"
He had taken just a couple of steps when Henrik called out, "There is one that has a bloodline which is basically made for what you're asking. Although I don't know if she has awakened it yet."
Jin Wang paused midstride, "Hmm? Who?"
"You know her too, Princess Ceni. Both her mother and father's bloodlines allow for conscious manipulation to a degree don't they? But since she is not a pure-blood I can't say how effective or ineffective her abilities will be."
"Oh, her…" Jin Wang muttered under his breath.
After hearing the warning from Grand Priestess he had completely cut her out as an option, especially if it had anything to do with Hao Xuan. Since their fates were so misaligned bringing them together would only result in tragedy.
"I'll think about it," he said looking back at Henrik, "In the meantime work together with the demihumans and set up a line of defense outside. Clear up space in here to make room for all the refugees coming in. Put your abilities to good use and help these people settle down because otherwise they will only get in the way later on. Sooner or later the demons or the cultivators will reach this place so start preparing."
"I know I know we are coming up with a plan right now. We'll set up the supply lines first and then make some housing for the mortals on the far side."
Jin Wang walked out of the tent and left them to their own devices. Henrik seemed more than capable of handling everything despite how he acted. Not to mention he was the oldest one here by far (160 years old) and most probably had some experience in these matters.
Being from a big clan like his didn't come without any strings attached. Each one of them had to finish their basic training and be knowledgeable about a great many subjects especially the ones related to war before venturing outside.
They were all potential leaders in times of emergency and could step in with minimal supervision.
Jin Wang walked until he was far enough from their camp before pushing lightly against the ground. He lept several hundred meters without making any noise and landed softly on one of the stupendously large bones that acted as the ceiling for this cove that housed the city of Argham.
He breathed in the cold night air and 'tasted' the various smells coming from all around. Looking down he could see hundreds of mortals piled outside the city and even more coming in every minute.
Their numerous voices calling out for help, asking for food, water, or medicine. This ever-so-familiar scene inadvertently brought back memories that he had buried a long time ago.
He couldn't help but reminisce.
"Once again I stand on the brink of yet another war. Era after era, kingdom after kingdom, yet somehow it always devolves into the same bloody mess."
For a moment he could feel the familiar weight of a hand on his shoulder and the warmth of people surrounding him from all sides. He could almost imagine their silhouettes standing beside him shoulder by shoulder grinning even in the darkest of nights.
People he once called friends and brothers in arms that were now mere memories. The same friends he would have died for once.
"I can't even remember what they looked like anymore. How long has it been? How much blood did we shed for our kin? For a dream of a brighter future but…look at us now. No one even remembers we ever existed, scrubbed out of the annals of history by the victors."
But then his expression hardened as he stared at the squirming masses.
"I know you must have left something for me in there, old friend. I've found the secret vault in the prison just like you said I would but…I cannot open it. I've tried everything but nothing works.. I know if I force my way everything will be destroyed but where is the key? If only that wolf bastard didn't come when he did."
