The meeting chamber fell silent as the four leaders—King Heinz, King Vistara, King Reyland, and Scholar Oliver—gathered once more behind closed doors. The echoes of the earlier negotiations still lingered in the air, but now, without their formal masks, they spoke plainly.
Vistara leaned back in his chair, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. "We got off easy," he said, looking around the table. "All we had to do was give little things… and in return, we're walking away with more than we bargained for."
Reyland grunted in agreement, but Oliver raised a brow.
"I wouldn't be so quick to say that," the scholar said, steepling his fingers thoughtfully.
Reyland turned to him. "What do you mean?"
Oliver tapped the table. "Tell me, Heinz—what did Rei ask of you?"
King Heinz, who had been quiet until now, crossed his arms. "He asked for Luc to be by his side. No strings attached. And… he made it clear we wouldn't be getting any information from Luc."
Oliver chuckled. "Exactly what I suspected."
Vistara blinked. "You think he's playing a deeper game?"
"I know he is," Oliver said. "Let's lay it out. He's got Weiss backing him with trade sponsorship.
Houlthart is providing him with soldiers. He's gained Luc, who is not only a capable fighter but could train every one of those men. Add Levi and his men into the mix—already loyal and likely skilled in fieldwork."
"And your contribution," Vistara added.
Oliver nodded. "He gets a protected homeland with rapidly developing infrastructure, which I'll be helping build. Roads, energy, defense, schools—everything. It's the dream foundation for any organization."
Reyland grumbled. "In total, he's gathered what? Around ninety or so people already?"
"Give or take," Oliver confirmed. "But it's not just the number. It's the structure. He's building not an army—but a nation within a nation."
King Heinz leaned back, eyes narrowing. "I wonder just how strong he intends to become…"
Vistara folded his arms and leaned forward. "We'll have to see that for ourselves."
Meanwhile, back at the outskirts of Hazel Town, Rei stood outside an old shed, Midgard stationed beside him like a loyal steed. Tenko yawned lazily on his shoulder. With the kings now supportive, Rei knew his moves could be bolder.
"Luc, Levi," he said, gesturing them closer. "We need to establish a proper headquarters."
Levi nodded. "We'll need space, privacy, and enough connections to recruit new members."
Rei looked to Luc. "Suggestions?"
Luc didn't hesitate. "Betal Town."
Levi blinked. "That's where you'd put it?"
Luc nodded. "It's geographically central. From there, we can access every corner of the country. Trade routes pass through it. Recruitment would be faster."
Rei considered that. "So access gives you the leverage you need?"
Luc crossed his arms. "Exactly. I already have a list of people in mind—fighters, tacticians, even healers. With our current reputation and support, we'll be able to bring them in."
Rei nodded. "Then we move to Betal tomorrow. Pack light."
"Understood," Luc said.
As night fell, Rei returned to Midgard. Tenko jumped down from his shoulder and curled up at the base of the cart. The air was cool and silent.
Rei looked at the stars, his voice low. "Tenko… A disaster is coming. I can feel it. Will we survive?"
Tenko gave a short bark and nodded with conviction.
A soft smile crept onto Rei's face. "You're more confident than I am," he murmured. But in his heart, he still felt the weight of uncertainty. He'd read about demons—about their last curse, the deadly hexes that triggered upon death. And if that was real, then the future they were heading into would be darker than any before.
Still, brooding wouldn't help. He returned to the cart's room towards his bed and closed his eyes.
The next morning, Rei, Luc, and Levi gathered around Midgard.
Levi eyed it curiously. "Why'd you bring your horseless cart?"
Luc scoffed before Rei could respond. "It's more than a cart. Don't insult it."
Tenko let out a low bark in agreement, causing Levi to raise his hands in surrender.
"Alright, alright! I get it," Levi said, grinning. "No offense, Midgard."
Rei placed his hand near the base of the cart and began to channel his Qi. A small tornado of wind formed beneath the main gear, pushing the mechanism into motion. The cart lurched forward smoothly, and the wheels caught the rhythm.
Levi blinked. "It's… moving? On its own?"
Rei calmly grabbed the handle and steered. "It's designed for travel. And now that the kings are on our side, we don't need to hide it anymore."
Levi still stared, wide-eyed. "Can I drive it?"
Rei raised a brow but handed him the handle. "Don't crash it."
With childlike enthusiasm, Levi took the reins and gently steered. The cart moved smoothly down the road, and his grin grew wider.
"This is incredible! You've got to make one for me."
"I will," Rei said. "Eventually."
They traveled for a few hours, passing grassy plains and small hills, until Gazai Town appeared on the horizon. The group rode straight through the gates, drawing the curious eyes of merchants and travelers, but no one dared question them.
Rei decided to rest here before continuing.
"We'll take a short break," he said. "Get some food, water, and rest."
"Sounds good," Levi replied.
They entered a small pub and found a quiet corner. As they settled down, a boy in a tattered blanket approached them cautiously.
"I heard… you're starting an organization," the boy said, voice low.
Rei raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know that?"
Levi laughed awkwardly. "I may have spread some word through the merchant guild. They use birds. Word travels fast."
Rei sighed but turned his attention back to the boy. "Alright then. Why are you here?"
The boy stepped closer. "I want to join."
Rei studied him. "And what exactly can you offer?"
The boy's eyes narrowed. "My power."
Luc, standing nearby, suddenly spoke. "Rei… he's profitable."
Rei turned to him. "How so?"
Luc stepped forward. "He's the prince of this country."
At that, the boy pulled down his hood, revealing a sharp face and striking eyes that bore the weight of royalty. He looked directly at Luc.
"How did you recognize me?"
Luc smirked. "I've worked in the castle before."
Rei's eyes narrowed slightly. "Alright, Prince. What do you want in return for your 'power'?"
The boy—no, the prince—hesitated, then answered with chilling calm.
"Your help… fifteen years from now."
Rei tilted his head. "Fifteen years? When we're both twenty-six?"
The prince nodded. "Yes. I want your help defeating my sister."
Rei paused for a long moment, then slowly nodded. "The princess, huh? Very well… you'll have my help. Fifteen years from now, I'll be there."
The prince gave a rare, thankful smile. "Then we have a deal."