Salute to the General novel Chapter 3826

After uttering those words, Nathan scanned the crowd and spoke in a measured, solemn tone. "Among you are allies who once fought alongside me. I have no intention of causing harm to you. If you choose to leave now, there is still time."

This statement had a noticeable impact. Katherine and other Adrune elites, who had a history of camaraderie with Nathan, showed visible signs of internal conflict in their expressions.

However, Wolfric, visibly alarmed by the potential defection of his forces, quickly issued a stern command. "No one is allowed to leave. Operation Godslayer is a collective endeavor sanctioned by multiple nations. Departing now would be seen as betrayal. Your countries will not forgive such treason, nor will we."

His words effectively prevented the Adrunian elites from leaving. Despite their past bonds with Nathan and the evident shame on their faces, they were bound by a plot orchestrated by numerous countries.

Personal connections were overshadowed by the gravity of state affairs. As a result, not a single Adrunian elite, including Katherine, departed from the scene.

Katherine, her eyes filled with complexity, looked towards Nathan. Her voice, tinged with regret, spoke. "Mr. Cross, we have shared friendship and fought together as comrades. However, today, personal sentiments must be set aside. I am truly sorry. We will not hold back later, and neither should you. Today, our survival depends on our own strengths, and no blame can be cast."

Nathan, recognizing the resigned determination in the faces before him, understood the inevitable force of circumstances that had brought them to this point. A place where a chasm lay before them, yet retreat was impossible.

He nodded in acceptance. "Understood. Let us then share a parting toast, severing our bonds of past fellowship. In the ensuing battle, let there be no hesitation."

Catherine, who had long harbored unspoken affections for Nathan, understood the impossibility of their relationship, leading her to maintain a respectful distance. They had fought side by side against vampires and Gods, never envisioning a day when they would confront each other in a lethal conflict.

At Nathan's proposal of a farewell drink, Catherine was the first to raise her glass in a distant salute. "Mr. Cross, this is to you and to the memories we once shared!"

Matching her gesture, Nathan raised his glass in a silent toast to Katherine.

Both drank deeply, emptying their glasses in a single, solemn gulp, marking the end of an era and the beginning of an inevitable confrontation.

As the farewell toasts continued, the towering Astorian God of War, Faraq, stepped forward. His voice resonated through the room. "Mr. Cross, you were the savior of my nation during the vampire war. Without your intervention, my homeland's restoration would have been impossible. Today, I honor you with this toast."

Nathan, acknowledging the gesture, lifted his glass in unison with Faraq. They both consumed their drinks in a single, seamless motion.