>April 8th, 2058
The footsteps of something monstrous reverberate through the chambers of the Dwarven Throne. Everyone is as eager as they are wary as a towering figure clad in battle-worn armor walks into the room, each step shaking the very air. His gaze is sharp and primal.
Morzag: I, Morzag, the Orc Emperor of the Grimhold Dominion, officially present myself to the meeting.
Ryuzen's eyes lock with the Orc's in a brief but intense exchange. The tension is razor-sharp.
Shenshi: Welcome to Durgundar, Emperor Morzag. I must say, you are quite early. The meeting is in three days. Nevertheless, you are gladly welcome to stay here.
Morzag: Oh, don't be confused. I know I am early. I've heard much about Dwarves... and—[He slowly turns, eyes narrowing in disbelief as he sees Shera]—and Elves. I wanted to meet the Dwarf Emperor myself before the meeting. I am just lucky to have the audience of the Princess too.
Shera: Well, you sure are informed. So why are you early?
Morzag: Seems like I won't be needing that anymore, seeing how you let the—[he glares at Ryuzen with disdain]—human have a seat among you. I guess all the things I heard about you were just bloated rumors and tales of heroic fantasies.
Shera: If I were you, I would think twice before continuing that sentence.
Ryuzen: [narrows his eyes, internally calculating.]
^ Wait. What am I doing? Why is he here early, and why is he alone? Isn't it mandatory to bring assistants? If not, why the hell did I bring Ayane— ^
He suddenly snaps his focus, feeling a surge of mana.
Shera: Dr. Ryuzen, don't take rash decis—
BOOM!
A thunderclap echoes through the hall. A burst of wind knocks dust into the air. Ryuzen has vanished.
Everyone is stunned—except for Fil, who vanishes a moment later.
^ That BOOM was from Ryuzen running. It took me a second, but I believe it now—he broke the sound barrier. ^
Ryuzen slams into an Orc, boot-first, just as the brute was about to strike Ayane. The impact sends the Orc flying several feet backward.
Ryuzen: I don't know what the hell is happening here, but if you so much as lay a finger on her, I will tear you limb from limb.
Orc: How dare a lowly human speak to me in such a tone—
Ayane: Dr., I think you should ru— [CC = 8]
Ryuzen: [turns to Ayane] I spaced out asking myself what mattered most right now: concealing my power? Preserving this alliance? Planning our next move? Being wary of the Orc? And I realised it's you, Ayane.
And as for you—[locks eyes with the Orc]—why don't you give it a try.
Morzag: What just happened? Why did they run?
Shera & Shenshi: ^ So he was able to see that... ^ I think we should follow.
The Orc swings his massive axe at Ryuzen with full might—only for it to stop mid-air, halted by what feels like an invisible wall.
Everyone turns toward the hallway's end.
Ryuzen: Fil!
Fil: What do you think you are doing, Orc?
Orc: GARATH!! I have a name, It's Garath. And who the hell are you?
[Turns to Ryuzen] Wasn't she the price you paid to get into this meeting? Leave her and get lost before I kill you both.
Ryuzen's expression changes. The air thickens with tension. Even Fil takes a step back.
Fil: And what makes YOU the authority, Garath? She stands with the same status as you. Are you implying we should treat you the same?
Garath: Enough of this nonsense! [charges] AAAAAAH!
Shera: Enough!
Her voice echoes, commanding and thunderous. Everyone freezes.
Shera: You can't win, Ryuzen.
Fil: Princess!
Ryuzen: I know. But that doesn't mean I won't fight.
Shera: I know.
Morzag: What is it you're doing, Garath?
Garath: Your majesty, I was just—
Morzag: Not the time for explanations. Go home.
Garath: But Sire, I was ju—
Morzag: [A pressure fills the room.] I don't want to repeat myself.
Garath: Your command. [leaves reluctantly, grumbling]
Morzag: Shall we head back? Looks like I have some apologizing to do.
Ayane: Thank you, Fil! And Princess Shera.
Shera: There is no need for that.
Shenshi: This is actually my failure. I couldn't guarantee your safety within my own walls. I apologize for my incompetence.
Ayane: Please don't—none of us could have expected this. Also, thank you, Ryuzen... for what you did and..... what you said.
They return to the throne room and resume their seats.
Morzag: I guess I've made enemies of all of you. Once again, I apologize for my assistant's behavior. And I take back my words toward Ryuzen—clearly, you've earned your place.
Shera: Are you deflecting the question? Why are you here?
Shenshi: If that little stunt was meant to gauge our strength, I'd say leave now.
Morzag: Please don't misunderstand. Though I am the strongest of the Orcs, that's not why I'm here. I come here as a diplomat.
Ryuzen: Finally, something of value from that mouth hole of yours.
Morzag: I wondered whether your calm demeanor came from respect or fear. Turns out, it's neither. Just arrogance.
Ryuzen: And he's back to spewing nonsense.
Morzag: Very well. Here's why I came early. Orcs aren't exactly known for intelligence. We're great warriors, but often get used solely for our brawn. I wanted to offer military power in exchange for societal value. Initially, I planned to side with the Dwarves to take down the Elves—but that doesn't seem viable anymore.
Ryuzen: So your original plan was to offer your forces to the Dwarves to crush the Elves, making your alliance the strongest. But what if the Dwarves treated you the way you treat humans?
Morzag: That wouldn't be a problem. We're not weak like humans. And as long as I live, we aren't stupid either. We won't lose to anyone.
Ryuzen: Then why not just wipe out both the Elves and Dwarves yourself and become a tyrant? Oh right—because you're all bark and no bite.
Shenshi: Alright. Dr. Ryuzen, you're clearly worked up. Why don't you rest for the remainder of the day? We'll resume tomorrow.
Ryuzen: Yeah, this meeting's too boring. Ayane, be here in my stead and fill me in later. And don't hesitate to call me if anything happens.
Ayane: Sure, Ryuzen.
Ryuzen exits to his quarters.
Morzag: Now that the spoiled brat is gone, we can have a meaningful conversation.
Shera: We will. I'd even consider your offer for military power. But your relationship with Ryuzen is too sour for that.
Shenshi: Same here. Your army is tempting, but you've made an enemy of Ryuzen.
Morzag: So what? What could one measly human do?
Shera: Advice from one leader to another: whatever you do, DO NOT underestimate Dr. Ryuzen.
Morzag: ^ I don't get it... Why is he so important? Or is he feared? I need to look into him. ^
Ayane: Actually, I think we could use your might. As you said humans are weak, but we're intelligent. Together, we could be the brains to your brawn.
Shenshi: Is it okay for you to speak on Ryuzen's behalf?
Ayane: Isn't that why he left me here, your Highness?
Morzag: Very well. If you speak for him, I'll consider this coalition. I'll need time to process all this. Let's meet again tomorrow.
Ayane: Even better—you'll get to speak with the Doctor himself.
A guard escorts Morzag to his chambers.
Ayane: Thank you both for not taking his offer. If either of you had accepted, it would've looked suspicious. But if we accept, as the weakest, it's only logical we wouldn't attack the strongest. This is the best way to maintain our alliance.
Shera: Yes, I figured as much. I'll take my leave now. ^ Is she a female clone of Ryuzen? ^
Shenshi: ^ I hadn't thought of it that way... Like master, like disciple. ^ That wraps today's meeting.
------
Shera & Fil, alone
Shera: Good to know Orcs are easier to manipulate than humans.
Fil: That was too risky, even for you, Princess. What if something had happened to her?
Shera: Nothing did. All's well that ends well. And we got a measure of his strength. He's formidable. From a human perspective he's basically a god.
Fil: I agree. Even I wouldn't want to fight him while he's angry. But that doesn't mean he's strong enough for you to worry.
Shera: He thinks he's the only one who can play mind games. I thought giving him a brush with death would humble him—but he stayed arrogant, even to the Orc Emperor.
Fil: Because he holds all the cards in that room. None of us would let him die, and he knows it.
Shera: I know it too. That's why I had the Orc attack the girl and not him.
------
Back at the throne room
Ayane: I'll go check on how the Doctor is doing.
Meanwhile, Shenshi hears a strange buzzing sound as Shera reappears.
Shenshi: Why are you back, Shera?
Shera: Oh, are we on a first-name basis now, Shenshi?
Shenshi: Is this about Ryuzen?
Shera: You're sharp... for a Dwarf. Why did you summon him here?
Shenshi: That's none of your business, Princess.
Shera: We both saw his potential today. A human breaking the sound barrier unaided? That's insane. It's not like anything you say will affect the alliance now.
Shenshi: Very well. I summoned him... because he told me to. About 20 days ago, one of my subordinates gave me a letter from him. He said he would prove his worth by first allying with you, then told me to summon him. The messenger was instructed to deliver it 11 days after Ryuzen left.
Shera: I don't know if I should be angry or impressed. Did he plan the attack, too?
Shenshi: I don't know the specifics.
Shera: What did he want in return?
Shenshi: A blank cheque. He asked for one wish, to be granted whenever he asks.
Shera: And you said yes?! You idiot.
Shenshi: He might be dangerous, but I trust him. I don't believe he has any ill intentions.
Shera: I don't know what else he's hiding... But I guess you're right. He's building alliances. That's not the action of a tyrant. That's a strategist with morals.
Shenshi: So you finally see it. Do you know his mana level?
Shera: No, he declined measurement. I estimate high Tier-2 or low Tier-3 at best.
Shenshi: [chuckles] He is a warrior Shera, I know he will rise to the top, I see that fire in his eyes. And also he seems good at magic too, considering he managed to fool you.
Shera: What do you mean?
Shenshi: The subordinate he met in my kingdom measured his MP at 617,443.
Shera: ...High Tier-3. I underestimated him. I was wary of his intellect. Now I need to watch his power, too.
See you at the meeting. [teleports]