TO BUILD A KINGDOM

There was a strange atmosphere inside a small, wooden cabin. Around a rectangular, stone table, nearly a dozen chairs were set up, upon which various figures sat. One of those figures was Lynne, who was currently awkwardly smiling as he observed the expressions of others.

“… the Kingdom?” the first to speak was the Commander, whose eyebrows were twitching lightly.

“Aye, the Kingdom.” Lynne confirmed.

“… the Kingdom?” Parsia asked.

“Yes, the fucking Kingdom. Are you people deaf?” Lynne asked, annoyed.

“No, we aren’t deaf,” Thalia said. “But we also aren’t dumb.”

“Where is the faith in the hero?!” Lynne cried out, standing up. “Are you all going to leave me stranded ashore, all alone beneath the moon?! Are you all just going to watch your hero weep and wail underneath the stars as his tears shine?! How cruel can you be? How lamentable is the fate of the hero! Ah, woe is me~”

“Stop the bullshit theatrics and think about it for a second,” Parsia interjected, barely keeping his voice leveled. “You want to build a Kingdom. In a desert. Filled with beasts and people who are at war. From nothing.”

“Yup, that pretty much sums it up.” Lynne nodded, sitting down.

“What the fuck for?!!” Thalia cried out loudly.

“Hey, who are you to question the hero?” Lynne cried back.

“… someone who can beat your ass?”

“… sorry sweetie, just trying to play my role,” Lynne smiled nervously as he avoided Thalia’s glare. “Look, I know you all think I’m awesome--”

“--no we don’t.”

“--and that I can do anything--”

“--no you can’t.”

“--but I’ll level with you: my Kingdom shall be your Kingdom as well! Isn’t this the best proposal you’ve ever heard?”

“… ugh, let me level with you instead,” Parsia grunted. “We can’t grow crops in the desert, meaning we’ll have to import food. That would be fine, but unless people really like sand, we have nothing to export in return. Our military prowess would be at the very bottom of bottoms, our economy would suffer because nobody would trade with us, we have nowhere to even start building properly, none of the desert dwellers would take you seriously, and why am I even explaining all of this to you?! You can’t build a fucking Kingdom out of nowhere in the middle of the fucking desert!”

“Haii, what do you take me for? A fool?” Lynne answered calmly. “Don’t answer that. Anyway, I’m well aware of all the shortcomings of trying to establish the Kingdom in the middle of the desert, I’m not an imbecile.”

“Then what for?!” Thalia asked.

“This continent is about to go through major shifts,” Lynne replied, his voice suddenly growing deeper. “There will be no permanent safe haven, and I intend to build one. In this room, we have all the qualified people necessary for the start. The Commander will, well, command our army, Chief Trios will orchestrate people and laws, Parsia can act as a coin master and jack-of-all-trades bimbo, Gru can be hotheaded moron that inspires people, Joana can establish mercenary guild, and we already have a monkey as a mascot.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“Will it be easy? Hell no,” Lynne continued, narrowing his eyes. “We’re building a fucking Kingdom in the middle of the desert, if it were easy it would have already been done. Can we do it? Hell yes. If desert dwellers don’t submit to us, I’ll beat them until they do. I don’t care if it’s the savage way, or of it’s barbaric, I’ll make every last one of the acknowledge the Kingdom. However, what I’m about to say now, can’t leave this room under any circumstances. Understood?” nobody spoke, finally listening to him intently.

“As you’re all aware,” Lynne continued, nodding. “North is in shitters at the moment. It’s a gathering hot spot for the Mages from Divine Realm, and whatever the creature there is. Majority of mainland Kingdoms are at war at the moment, and East is in no better shape. Within two year’s time, a catastrophe will most-likely level the central and eastern parts of the mainland. People will need a place to live then. I want to establish that place by any means necessary.”

“… what catastrophe?” the Commander asked. Lynne slowly turned to him before replying.

“One that armies holding swords and axes won’t even be able to witness. Whether you trust me or not, it’s irrelevant. Within two year’s time, a True Dragon will emerge in the mainland, and the Divine Realm folk will come down to beat him back to the grave. Do you think they’ll care about collateral damage?” gasps had filled the room when Lynne mentioned True Dragon; even Thalia and Parsia were taken aback with shock.

“… d-did you just say True Dragon?” Chief Trios stuttered.

“I know we can’t build a Kingdom in mere two years,” Lynne said calmly. “But we can build foundations. That will be enough. With that all being said, I need the support of each and every person here. If you don’t wish to help, you’re free to leave. However, if rumors about what I said today leak out, I’ll personally execute every last one of you.” Lynne’s eyes told them he wasn’t lying; everyone in the room had gotten to know Lynne as a playful oddball, but they learned today he was clearly much more than that.

“I’m in.” the Commander was the first to voice his opinion. “I can stealthily start drawing in some brothers I have in the mainland. I can’t guarantee anything, but I could probably draw in two hundred thousand men by two year mark.”

“Ah fuck it, I’m also in,” the one to reply was a half-beast Utta; he was half-wolf hybrid, and one of the Beastkin that had traveled to the encampment to make peace. “I can’t speak for the rest of my kin, but I can convert a large amount. If nothing else, consider north of Eastern Wastelands yours.”

“Count me in too,” Chief Trios spoke. “I may not be able to draw in people, but I can help with other things.”

“I’ll start finding builders,” the one to speak was Joana, one of the Generals under the Commander. “But we first need to locate the center point of the Kingdom.”

“Does anyone have any proposals for that?” Lynne asked. A deep and long silence followed as everyone dove deep in thought, before a timid and meek voice broke it; it came from a small Goblin Chief, who also came to establish peace with Lynne and others.

“I know of a place.” Goblin Chief was child-sized bald, green man donning leather armor and a short-bow. He had slanted and angry eyes, but contrary to his aggressive appearance, was quite shy of a person.

“Hm?” Lynne looked at him.

“… uh, there’s a tower,” as the Chief mentioned the tower, most of the Wasteland’s inhabitants suddenly frowned and grunted lowly. “Near the central parts of the Wastelands.”

“The tower?” Lynne arched his brows.

“Don’t mind it, young Lynne,” Utta grunted, glaring at the Goblin Chief. “Although there is a tall tower, no one is allowed near it. And there’s even a legend that whoever tries to enter it is immediately sent to the Nightmare Realm, and is never seen again. It has been standing there for as long as there are records, but no one has dared to establish anything near it.”

“The tall, stone tower?” Thalia suddenly asked.

“You know about it?” Lynne turned to her.

“Not much. Master mentioned it once or twice,” Thalia explained. “Said it’s a home to most mysterious people: Gatherers of Knowledge. I don’t know much past that point.”

“I’ll go and investigate,” Lynne said, startling others. “While you guys slowly start making preparations.”

“Young Lynne, please--”

“Don’t worry about me,” Lynne interrupted, waving his arm. “I proposed to make a Kingdom. I can’t just sit on my ass all day and wait for others to do all the work. If it’s dangerous, I’ll immediately escape and we’ll find another place. I’ll take Gru and Thalia with me. Parsia, I’ll leave the bird and Liz-boy with you, so start making the preparations. Coordinate with Joana and the Commander on best ways to secretly haul people from the mainland. Also send the bird and Liz-boy with Utta to convince the dwellers. When I return, I’ll start concocting pills and potions as rewards and payments. It’s a short-term plan, so try and figure out how can we gather heaps of gold and Mana Stones. I have about 20,000 of the latter, but I’ll give it to you before I leave. Disperse.”

One by one, the room slowly emptied, leaving behind only Thalia, Gru and Lynne. There’s a good reason why Lynne proposed something as insane as building a Kingdom grounds-up in a desert. It had to do with a conversation he had a week ago, deep beneath the sand.

* * *

Two weeks after saying goodbye to Fen’er, Lynne had found himself standing on the desert, starting downward and waiting impatiently. He had done so for the past five days, and had slowly started growing restless and angry. Night slowly fell, and just as he was about to start cursing and leave, the desert beneath shook, startling him.

As he turned around, he saw it split open, revealing a makeshift staircase leading deep underground, as sand sunk into it like rain. Hesitating for a moment, he swallowed a gulp and moved toward it, descending down the stairs. He kindled light fire to illuminate the dry walls around him.

For nearly half an hour of descent, the walls were made of sand, but then the stone started mixing in, and he eventually even came across some vines. Nearly three hours later, he had finally reached the bottom as he walked through a wide tunnel held up by stone pillars. The difference was that the tiles beneath were made out of glass, and walls of the tunnel had strange, lime sheen to them.

As he walked, the tunnel slowly began to widen, and he finally entered the main stage: a grand chamber of luminous lights. Fireflies of all colors flew through the air as branching trees rose the distance, their leafs multicolored. It was like a village from one of the old tales about Elves, with the lack of Elves. A small waterfall of clear water cascaded down into a reflective pond, and Lynne couldn’t help but gasp in amazement.

A few feet away from the pond was a garden, fenced off by vines, holding a multitude of beautiful and diverse flowers and herbs. Fuck, monkey would have loved this shit. Lynne thought for a moment as his gaze switched elsewhere. As he slowly explored the grand chamber, he couldn’t help but feel a pair of eyes on his back wherever he went. Because of it, he chose not to touch anything and merely observe. In the end, he sat down onto the ground and leaned against the tree, letting his legs recover.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” A familiar voice startled him. He looked around but couldn’t see anyone. “Don’t bother. I’ve long since lost my physical form.”

“Encouraging.” Lynne snickered. “So, what is this place? Hidden Paradise or something?”

“Nothing of the sort,” the voice replied. “If you wish to name it… it’s more akin to a history piece than anything else.”

“From how long ago?” Lynne asked calmly.

“Numbers lose meaning in this context,” the voice replied evasively. “Why have you come, young child?”

“Curiosity,” Lynne replied, smiling. “Wanted to see what lies beneath the sand.”

“Are you satisfied with what you’ve seen?”

“Who did this belong to?” Lynne asked instead.

“Everyone.”

“… ookay,” Lynne said, corners of his mouth twitching. “So, why is it underground and not showing off to the world?”

“… you have a purpose for coming here,” the voice said instead. “What is it?”

“Ugh, why is everyone so hasty these days?” Lynne grunted, sighing. “Aye, I do have a purpose. I’m seeking the True Dragon of Flames. Can you tell me whether he’s in the Wastelands or not?”

“…”

“Why do I feel as though I suddenly stepped on a landmine?” Lynne asked, smiling nervously.

“There is a beast down south matching the description,” Lynne could hear and even feel clear hatred within the voice, and even the environment surrounding him reflected that. “Why do you seek it?”

“I gather you’re not a fan of it, huh?”

“Would you be a ‘fan’ of someone who butchered your kin, burned your homeland, and turned your entire existence into ash and ember?”

“…” Lynne slowly started picking up the pieces as he lowered his head and sighed. “So that’s how it is…” he muttered. “No, I can’t say I would. Why did he do it?”

“… history is long and crude, young child,” the voice replied, seeming much calmer than before. “And the reasons get lost and muddled.”

“Do you know about the True Dragon of Darkness?” Lynne asked after a short period of silence.

“…”

“He’s planning a ‘rebirth’ soon,” Lynne explained calmly. “And I don’t think I need to tell you the consequences of True Dragon appearing in the Mortal world. No less with Mages from Divine Realms appearing at the same time to kill him.”

“…”

“I… I need a way,” Lynne said. “A way to diffuse the world before it collapses. If they fight without any restrictions, this entire realm will suffer.”

“Why do you care?” the voice asked.

“For the same reason you remained for years uncountable, watching over this small Paradise.” Lynne replied.

“… I’m not as noble as you believe me to be.”

“Nobody is,” Lynne chuckled. “I wish to build a Kingdom,” Lynne finally said. “Above where we are now. I could use your help.”

“… why should I help you?! A noble Enng helping an Empyrean?! Laughable!!!”

“My flames are kind and warm, I think is what you said,” Lynne said, smiling. “You aren’t right, but you aren’t completely wrong either. Flames are only means. I don’t plan to excuse my actions, or regret what I have done, or even justify whatever I leave behind me. However, I do plan to make something out of it. I don’t want to be remembered only as the ‘madman who burned everything to ash’, like you remember the True Dragon. I once made a promise with myself: that if I can’t find the Paradise, I’d build one. Help me.”

“… do you think yourself noble?”

“Far from it.”

“… do you think history will remember you with favor?”

“Can’t say.”

“… what do I gain by helping you?”

“Nothing,” Lynne said, smiling lightly. “I’m just another Magus. I can neither bring the glory of your time to present, nor take revenge for you. I can only promise to protect this paradise you’ve guarded in your stead.”

“… speak to the Queen,” the voice spoke softly as it began to echo and disappear. “Your blood resonates. Should you gain her blessing, you shall have mine. Good luck, Empyrean child.”

“Wait, what Queen?” the voice remained silent. “Oi, you can’t drop a bomb like that and just disappear? Hey? What Queen? Queen of Hearts? Are we talking cards here? Hey? Aaand, it’s gone. Goddammit. Fine, I’ll find your damn Queen. Why is every old bastard in love with riddles and vague speech? Doesn’t anyone just say shit outright anymore? Fuck, this is giving me a headache. Why do I have to~~”

Lynne grumbled on as he slowly got up and began walking back up through the stairs towards the exit. He had already began formulating a plan, whether the voice helped him or not. He’ll create the Paradise… or die trying.