Author's note: My apologies for the absence during the weekend! I was a bit busy with personal stuff >

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And so the war in Oros came to an end with the victory fell into the hands of the rebellion force led by a mysterious demon. The dragon council, under the orders of their old leader Maragon, has been disbanded along with all members losing their status and privileges. Although there had been a few dissatisfaction and unwillingness in handing over their power to the new order, none of the members dared to actually do anything. Surprisingly, there were no trials or accusations toward the remaining members as now that everyone knew the entire conflict and the intervention to stop all negotiations have been orchestrated by Taragon and the organization he belonged to, Sanctus. That was not to say that the dragon council was totally blameless in their ways of handling affairs and ruling over the dragons. However, it would be ignorant to accuse them of everything, especially the recent events.

But most important of all was perhaps the election of a new ruler in Oros. While indeed the dragon council did not do what they were supposed to do, to serve the people, many acknowledged the need of a monarchy, a symbol of power to put things in order when needed. Freedom was a great thing but not when it became anarchy, especially when it had to deal with a powerful race like the dragons.

One would assume the leader of the rebellion movement to be the new king of Oros but unfortunately that was not the case. Following his promise, Kaiser has abandoned his post and gave the honor and title of King to his most trustworthy friend, the dragon lord Celdora. Of course, the decision was incontestable and unanimous as no one had any reason to challenge Celdora’s authority. After all, this has also been predicted and has been the talk of many for the last few days. To be fair, the announcement was a bit anticlimactic and mostly anticipated.

But alas, that what were the common people cared and knew about. However, like pretty much everything in this world, there was always a hidden side that not many could see. After all, why would they care about anything else now that they have accomplished what they wanted to do? A natural behavior but sometimes if not often dangerous! The strange circumstances behind Taragon’s death, the portal little Syralth took to come in the middle of the battlefield while not remembering anything afterward and in the center of them all was the crown found near what was left of the young black dragon after it expunged from his carcass.

Also, someone has been missing after the end of the war in Oros. Well, rather than said to be missing, it was probably more accurate to say that he was simply gone, nowhere to be found: the white dragon Malick, also known to only Alastor as the Dragon God Amon. But it was not like he left without a trace nor did he just leave quietly either. Just before Alastor could retrieve the mysterious crown, Malick has appeared out of nowhere and took it before vanishing from the battlefield. However, as he disappeared, Amon has left a message to the young demon lord to seek him at a specific location three days after the end of the war.

…..

At the moment, at the highest point in Oros, on top of the central tower of Canaan which has been deserted after the war, two figures were standing against the wind with the cloths fluttering to the high breeze.

“You have come, Alastor.” Said the dragon in his human form. “I apologize for the sudden disappearance a few days ago but there was no way around it.”

“About time you tell me what is going on! Start with that crown! Why did you take it?” Alastor asked menacingly.

“I made a mistake. I thought the curse has been removed from the crown but after what happened, it is clear that it was not the case.” Amon replied.

“Curse? What curse?”

“I cannot tell you. I am bound to an Oath that forbids me to reveal it. All I can tell you is that something evil lurks inside it so stay away from it, Alastor! Nothing good would come out of Tartarus.” Amon said.

“You know that the more you forbid something, the more tempting it is right? If you don’t tell me why, how am I supposed to know what is good or not?” Alastor spoke.

“What you do is up to you! I can only give advices but the one who will take the final decision is you and should only be you.” the God conveyed. A thought rang in his mind. ‘If that future is to be happening, there is nothing I can do to stop it. Still, I want to try….knowing how futile it might be.’

“You talk like you know what it is. Did you find out about it when you helped Vincent sealing Akroma? Is that why you took away the memories of Archna and the others involved?” inquired the boy.

“So you managed to meet Vincent…Just as Fate predicted!” Amon muttered silently. “What you said is correct. But instead of thinking about that, head my words, demon lord!

After leaving this place, go to the gate of Celestia! Everything you want to know, all the answers you seek, lie there. But do not linger around in Astora anymore! Your role here is done. The longer you stay idle, the more dangerous it will be!

So please, go to Celestia! That’s if you cherish your loved ones!”

“…The more you talk, the more I don’t understand one bit of what you are saying. JUST WHAT IS GOING ON?” Alastor shouted in anger.

“I cannot say.”

“Then I will make you talk!” Alastor drew Excalibur and pointed it at Amon’s neck.

“Go ahead! You have already passed my test. I have no regrets.” The dragon conveyed.

“Test? What test?”

“A test to see if you are worthy of carrying the will of Lord Eden. As for me, you are the reason this rebellion has succeeded. From now on, the dragons, my people will be able to pass to the next age. All thanks to you!

So go ahead! Cut me down!” Amon casually said as he put his neck near the blade.

“Carry the will of Eden? What is that supposed to mean? What do you Gods want from me?”

“…For you to kill Eden and replace him as the new God of Astora!” Amon revealed the shocking statement.

“What?”

“The throne of God cannot remain unseated for long! To find the one worthy of it, someone who will be Eden’ successor, is our mission. And for it, we chose you, Alastor!” Amon said.

“…what if I say no? Currently, I am not interested on becoming a God or anything of the sort, especially when none of you is telling me what will it imply.” Alastor raised his concern.

“One way or another, you will come! The only difference it will make is what you will do after that…but it doesn’t matter right now. Seeing the current you, I have no doubt that you will do the right thing….”

“This is giving me a headache.” Alastor scratched his head in confusion. “But how is this linked to the events ten years ago? Who killed my parents? From what I know, both Merkabah and Elemyr were present. Even more, they put something inside me….”

Amon spoke with a solemn expression on his face.”…I wish I could tell you but…it might alter the course of destiny. That’s why Fate made me do that Oath to her in the first place. You will have to speak with her about that.”

“….. *sigh*” Alastor exhaled a long tired breath. He knew that it would not matter to press on these issues any longer. Amon would not spill a word, or rather could not because of his Oath. But at the very least, he knew the Gods’ intention now, though not their reason or the circumstances behind it. “So what now?” asked Alastor.

“I guess it’s time for me bid farewell to this world. Take up your sword, Alastor!” Amon spoke. “Let me have one final fight, just for the sake of it! Though the result is quite obvious by now.” Smiled Amon.

“And still you want to fight me? Why?” questioned the demon lord.

“My soul is necessary for the Gate to Celestia to open its door. I have already prepared myself for this moment ever since I stepped out of that door. Does the answer satisfy your curiosity?”

“…Just a question before we begin…What did you do to the crown?”

“I tossed it in the sea. That way, you will never get your hands on it. Don’t seek it, Alastor! For your own sake!”

“…What a pity! I wanted to discover the secret of Tartarus…But why only now did you do that? Kaiser told me that you had the crown for the whole time with him…why not just destroy or throw it away before I came here?” inquired the boy.

“I have wished that the crown can be put into a good use. In itself, it is not evil but it is the ghost haunting it that was the origin of its curse. After I saw what it did to Syralth and Taragon, I knew that I had to get rid of it, no matter how precious it might be.”

A strong gale blew on the flat rooftop of the tower. The time for words has ended. Both of the people present here knew what was going to happen next, even though none of them wished so much there would another way.

“Is there really no other way?” asked Alastor.

“No…I wished there was but….Death comes to all, Alastor. Even the Gods. But I will not run from it.” Exhaling a long breath, the dragon prepared his battle stance. “Let me present myself: I am Amon, the Sacred Virtuoso!

Demon Lord Alastor, it’s time we end this! Come at me!”

Without uttering a word, the boy nodded in acknowledgement. Clenching his sword with poignancy in his heart, Alastor held the sword firmly with his hands, readying himself.

The wind blew strongly as the two stared down at each other. It would only take one strike to end it. Being both masters in their own league, there was no reason to prolong this meaningless battle.

Then the wind stopped. And they clashed.

…..

It was over in a second. With a shining flash in darkness, a figure fell down to his knees.

“Splen….did!”

“Why? Why didn’t you dodge?” Alastor spoke in a trembling voice as he turned his head back at the falling figure who had stayed still even facing his attack.

“ *panting* I told you…*panting* the result is as clear as crystal since the very beginning. Besides...*panting* this is what I want. This is *panting* the way it is supposed to be…”

“....” A feeling of guilt took over the boy’s mind who could only watch in silence the dying God in his final moments.

“....Why do you have that look on your face?” Amon asked when he saw the sorrowful expression the boy wore.

“I don’t know...why does this thing have to happen? You are a good guy right? At least that’s how I see you...So then why?”

“Sometimes….it’s just how it is…Others…someone has to do it. One day, very soon, you will face the same choice I did…When that time comes, you will understand what it means.” Amon muttered with a stuttered painful voice. He was near his end. Looking at him, it was hard to believe that this person was once a God, perhaps still was…only, was this how a God died? Just like us mortals?

Putting his small arm behind the white dragon’s neck as he placed him carefully on the ground for his final rest, Amon spoke in a low tone. “I am sorry…”

An apology, again! Why were the Gods behaving this way? They did not seem evil at all and killing them only made Alastor look like the bad guy here. Yet, they were also the ones who always apologized to the young demon lord…What did they mean by that? What were they apologizing for? Could it have to do with something about the death of Alastor’s parents? But from the look of it, it did not seem like they were the ones responsible. So why?

‘But with this…I win, Fallen One!’ was his final thought as his consciousness slowly began to fade.

…..

‘No, Amon! I WIN!’

A voice rang inside the mind of the Dragon God, shocking him to his very own core. This voice, this female voice…he knew it too well, much to his horror.

‘How can you be here? I threw you away!!!’ shouted Amon in his mind.

‘And here I am back! You lost, Amon! But don’t worry! I will take good care of him from now on.’

‘No..no…I must…’ Amon struggled hardly as he reached his hand to the boy who was confused by the dread Amon was showing. “Alastor…be…”

“What, Amon? What are you trying to say?” Alastor asked worriedly.

Grabbing the boy’s head to his chest, Amon whispered softly in his ears as his body shined a white light and disintegrated into particles. What did he say to him? What could it be that rendered Alastor that pale upon hearing it? Now, only the boy would know…and perhaps, somewhere inside him, he has wished that he didn’t.

An orb of light appeared in Alastor’s hands where the white dragon once was before entering his chest along with his consciousness vanishing. Traversing the field of darkness, the orb arrived at a grand gate that stood regally in the middle of nowhere. In front of it, a lone figure was standing guard, holding the handle of his great sword that was plunging in the ground.

Coming closer to the knight, a voice echoed from the orb. “I am sorry…I failed again.”

“….” The mysterious knight lowered his head, not out of disappointment but out of respect for the God.

“She is coming to get him…We…You must not let it happen…” Amon pled.

“….” The knight nodded again, this time putting his hand on his chest as a gesture of acknowledgment.

“The rest is up to you…Baldo!” Amon spoke as the orb disappeared into the gate.

“Four down! Two….one more!” the knight uttered.

* * *

“The final piece is here!”

“……”

“After so long, finally the Door of Celestia will open once again…and this time, I will succeed.”

“…..”

“Why so silent? Aren’t you thrilled about now that our goal is so close to become reality?”

“I am. But if you think the current situation is enough for that to happen, you are more naïve I thought.”

“I see what you mean. But the solution is obvious right? We just need a catalyst, one final drop of the already full cup of water. And we have many catalysts. You just need to pick one. It’s your choice.”

“How about….?”

“Hum…not a bad choice but why not pick the other one?”

“The other one….I want him to do it. It’s more…dramatic that way.”

“I see. Aren’t you the evilest of all….That would devastate him. Not that I mind. May I ask why?”

“Because he is mine….and mine alone…!”

“What a twisted love!”

“Is this as twisted as the world? I don’t think so.”

“….I was right to choose you after all. Asgore is gone. There won’t be any Hero coming. All the Gods have been eliminated with only two crippled left. Now all the chess pieces are in place. We just need for a final checkmate.”

“……”

“Oh come on, smile a little!”

“I don’t care about any of that. I need only him….”

“But will he accept you I wonder?”

“It’s alright. I just have to kill him, just as I killed his father. Killing the one you love the most, keeping them to yourself, is the ultimate expression of love, don’t you think?”

* * *

“Alastor! Alastor! Wake up!” a gentle voice rang out loud.

This voice was so familiar to him for it was the same voice that has woken him up on many occasions before. He could feel his body being shaken by someone, probably the owner of this gentle voice. Her hands were a bit rough and hard, not made out of flesh but somehow her touch felt soothing, like that of a mother caring for her child.

Opening his eyes slowly as a respond to the calling, Alastor woke up, only to find the doll by his side, staring at him with a worried look as she tried to wake him up. It took him a short moment before realizing where he was or how he ended up here. It happened again: he absorbed a God and passed out due to the shock.

“So Amon died…” Alastor clenched his fist. “So just what is going on?” He punched the floor below him in anger, making a crack. It was understandable for him to feel that way. So many things have happened and still nothing seemed to make sense so far. When he thought he would finally get some answers, the only thing he got was even more mysteries. Just when would this end?

It was then he felt something in his hand, a roundish stone of pure white color emitting a dim luminescence.

“What is this?” Alastor asked himself.

‘Hehehe take a guess!’ a voice in the boy’s mind.

‘Xenes? Why are you here again? …. Does it mean that this is what I think it is?’

‘Exactly! This is the Scion of an ancient dragon. Should have guessed it since Amon was the first dragon, it’s natural for him to have one. But never mind that! Consume it, Alastor, and my power shall be yours! Let the world have a taste of the power of the Great Xenes once again!’

‘…’

‘Oh yes you are still tired so take your time! But if you ever intend to use it, hum…how do I say this…remember to tell your friends to stay away…very far away! With that, goodbye again! Heheheehe!’ the voice vanished.

“Alastor….” Stella uttered at the sight of her master in distress.

“Sorry Stella! How long have I been gone?” asked Alastor as he calmed himself down.

“For two days now. Though I have only found you here a few hours ago. Are you sure that you are alright? Do you want to rest for a bit more?” Stella asked out of concern with a slightly worried expression.

“No, I am fine, Stella. Besides, if I want to rest, I would rather not stay here. Let us go back to join Kaiser and the others!”

“What about that?” said Stella, turning her head to the peculiar object lying next to Alastor.

“What….” Alastor dropped his jaws upon seeing what has been right next to him the whole time: the crown. “How did it get here? Amon said he tossed it into the sea!” The boy uttered in shock.

“Were you not the one who found it?” inquired Stella.

“What do you mean?”

“When I found you here, the crown was already by your side so I thought that you went missing to look for it. Was it not the case?”

“……”

“Alastor? Something wrong?”

“This thing….everyone said it is cursed. Could it be that it is capable of coming here on its own? ….Can’t be…right?” the boy muttered to himself. “Whatever the case, I must make sure that it is no longer capable of hurting anyone.”

Standing up on his feet, Alastor focused his mana into his hands. “Let’s just hope that I can still use it after this! ”

By absorbing the mana inside the crown, Alastor intended to purify of all influences of magic. Even if a ghost was indeed haunting the crown, it would not escape the power of . After all, what was a soul if not a condensed clump of mana given a will of its own? Just to be safe, he would not actually absorb the supposed tainted mana into his own body but rather destroy everything mana-related found on the crown. That way, he would be able to escape all influences this spirit might have on him.

“This is…incredible! Such a powerful mana flow! Just what are you?” Alastor increased his own power level against it. “BE GONE!”

A bright light shined from the crown he held in his hands, along with a loud shockwave released from it, blowing both Alastor and Stella back a few feet. A black smoke discharged itself from the crown together with a loud scream of both agony and hatred. As he tried to recover, Alastor swore he could see a female figure appearing from the smoke looking right back at him with her blue crystal eyes before vanishing into oblivion. The spirit has been purged and the crown was back to its former glory again.

“Is it gone, I wonder… I could no longer feel any inch of mana in there anymore but it’s not like I am an expert on spirit…Hey Magnus, you in there?” Alastor spoke to himself.

‘Yes, always!’ replied the Soul Forger.

‘Can you check if there is anything unusual with this crown? Like spirit or ghost or anything at all?’

‘Child’s play! ……Hum it seems like whatever it is, it’s truly gone now. The crown is safe.’ Magnus said.

‘You sure? Amon is a God and even he cannot purge this apparently evil spirit from it even after so many attempt.’ Alastor commented.

‘Like I have said many time, your Six Gods are only individuals who have been granted power by Eden. Technically, they are only the strongest of their race and not a true God like us. Furthermore, what Amon did was probably using his own power to destroy the spirit but that would not work against spirits that are more powerful than him. In your case, it’s different since not only are you clearly stronger, your abilities can nullify all presences of mana.

In short, you have nothing to worry about.’ Magnus explained.

‘I see…Thanks for the help!’

‘No problem!’ Magnus vanished from Alastor’s mind.

Even with Magnus’ reassurance, Alastor was still reluctant to just casually pick up the crown in his hands. The image of Taragon being slain in such a horrific way has been imprinted in the mind of the young demon lord. Still his curiosity had the better of him. The thing was probably the Proof of Command mentioned by the intelligence in that strange room located in the underground of the castle. It was what Alastor needed in order to gain access to Tartarus, a place he has been dying to visit. Although there was still another key he had to find first.

And so he picked it up, slowly. Nothing happened. No voice or weird sounds, it was just a normal crown, or at least it felt like one. So what was so special about this crown anyway? Perhaps it would only reveal its true nature once he brought it back to that weird thing in the underground of the castle.

“Alastor?” the doll called out to the frozen boy.

“Oh sorry! I was a bit too focused on this. Let’s go back!” Alastor gave out a forced smile as the two departed back to the camp of the rebels.

Their job might have been done here but the war was still ongoing in Mara. Without a doubt, Alastor must return to his dear mother’ side as soon as he could, but not before he finished everything he wanted to do here. Kaiser’s final decision concerning the matter of ruling Ragna and becoming the new demon lord awaited.

…..

Back to the camp, the boy was greeted by some familiar faces, all of them shocked when they saw Alastor with the cursed crown in his hands. It caused some commotions before the boy could explain to them that the danger has passed. Although a little doubtful, Kaiser and Celdora had no choice but to believe his words. However, what they were concerned about was not just the crown but also Alastor’s expression the whole time. He seemed a little disturbed and much more cautious in the way he talked. And his eyes, balancing from left to right with a doubtful look, showed his uneasiness.

“Father, something wrong?” asked Kaiser.

“..Wh..What? Oh no it’s nothing! Don’t worry about it!” Alastor smiled forcefully before falling in contemplation again.

What was wrong Alastor you might ask? No, it was not due to the crown but due to a very simple thing: what Amon has whispered to the demon lord in his final moment. Those words, although short, were enough to bring the almighty Alastor down to earth. That expression, it was fear. The thing that Alastor was most dreadful of….his only weakness at this point.

“Beware of the traitor amongst you!”

* * *

“NO!” the voice of a little girl rang loudly inside a cave. “I don’t want him to go.”

“Syralth, be reasonable! You can’t keep Kaiser with you forever. He has his own life to lead and cannot stay by your side forever!” the dragon lord tried to reason with his daughter.

“NO NO NO! I don’t want to!” Syralth shouted, her hands holding on the sleeves of the True Monarch.

“SYRALTH, STOP!” Celdora raised his voice, making the little girl trembling in fear. Tears started to pour out of her small eyes. Yet her hands were still holding onto Kaiser and refused to let go.

“ *hic hic hic* “ the draconian sobbed.

“Celdora, can you let me talk to her?” Kaiser spoke.

“….Alright! I will be waiting outside.” Celdora said before walking out of the room and closed the door behind him.

From the small gap just before it closed, the dragon lord could only look back, regretting his outrage from earlier. But he did it only because he wanted what was best for his daughter. If she grew too attached to Kaiser, she would not be able to be independent. This separation, while sudden on Alastor’s part, was perhaps necessary and probably for the best…for both of them.

With only the two in this room, Kaiser crouched down and waited for Syralth to stop crying. He didn’t try to rush her or anything of the sort. He simply waited, watching the small figure as she wept away her tears from her red eyes.

“Have you calmed down?” Kaiser finally uttered.

“…Uhuh…” Syralth nodded and said with a dry throat after having cried so much. “Do you really have to go?”

“Yeah…I am sorry.” Kaiser said while patting on her head.

“Is this because of that kid? He is the one who asked you to go back with him, right? I heard it from papa.”

“Alastor is…a member of my family. It’s my duty to answer his call.” Kaiser answered.

“Do you like him more than me? Is he more important to you than me?”

“Of course not! You two are both important to me. However, the current situation requires my attention. It’s not just about us, Syralth. The peace of the world is at stake and we need to make it a reality. I am doing this for you…for us.”

“….I know…It’s just…it’s difficult to be separated from your friends.” The girl sobbed.

“It’s only temporary. Once this is all over, we can always visit each other from time to time. Using the Gates, you can come see me whenever you want. And of course I will do the same.” Kaiser reassured.

“You promise?”

“I promise! I, Kaiser the True Monarch, swear upon my honor to fulfill that promise. Even if I have to die for it.”

“No no I don’t want you to die! For anything! Just promise that you will come see me again! Pinky promise?” Syralth raised her pinky finger at Kaiser. Compared to his, her hand was so small and soft.

“Pinky promise!” Kaiser crossed his finger to hers. Together they shook their hands and made a vow to each other.

…..

And so Kaiser departed from the continent of Oros, ending his adventure in this ancient land as he continued in another in hope that one day, he would be able to come back to the side of his first and most loyal subject, but also that of a dear friend.

* * *

Panic. That was what described best the current atmosphere surrounding Cedra as thousands of soldiers have gathered around the capital, preparing for the incoming assault. The reason was the sudden invasion of the demons of Ragna. By using their tunnel network connecting the two continents, the demons have managed to cross the sea of Levianux, bypassing the dominant imperial fleet of Ceadric and were on their way straight to the capital. Only a quarter of the main army was currently present in the northern part of the country to intercept them and even then, it would not be enough. The strength of a horde of monsters and demons combined was simply too much for these mere humans to resist against.

But for an invasion of a race known for their barbarism and cruelty, the demons they now faced were nothing of the sort. On their way here, these invaders have encountered many villages and small cities, some without even a proper defense or warriors to protect them. Yes, these people have been abandoned, to be used as baits in order to slow down the demon’s army. However, to their own surprise, the demons did not do anything to them. Those who surrendered were quickly released while those who dared resist were only chased away. Unless they actively attacked the demons with the intention to kill, the army would not touch anyone and instead simply passed by while ignoring the rest. Whatever the case, the demons surely did not seem like that bad at all like the rumors indicated them to be.

Back to Ceadric’ side, from the southern borders, King Charles was currently having a meeting with the other generals in order to decide what to do about the demons.

“We have to go back to help the people of Ceadric.” Charles declared out loud.

“Your Majesty, I understand your sentiment but if we leave the frontline right now, you are practically handing this victory over to Morrigan.” Said the dwarf general.

“Do you really understand how I feel? Because from my view, you merchants of Dor only care about profits and not my people. What is the point of victory if there are no people left to protect?

From the very start, I have objected to this war. If not because of your threats, I would have never agreed to any of this. We must surrender now before it’s too late.” Charles shocked everyone in the room.

“Surrender? Are you mad?” The few representatives of Dor retorted.

“If you think that I will abandon my capital then you are dead wrong. Oros has pulled back their support. Even the old members of the dragon council are now behind the new leader who clearly doesn’t want to have to do with anything in this war. Not that I don’t understand him since me and as well as the majority of my people share the same opinion. And now the demons have joined the war. We have lost, gentlemen. It’s time to admit it.” Charles declared.

One could argue that King Charles was a coward for thinking of surrender in the midst of a war. But Charles himself knew that better than anyone else. In the first place, he blamed himself for being unable to stop this pointless war that he has dragged unwillingly his countrymen in. And now it was coming back to bite at him. However, he didn’t mind being labelled as a coward or even lose his position after this. For him, what only mattered at this point was to limit the casualties of his people as much as he could. Was he a true king or a coward? Only time could tell.

“No way! Not after everything we have invested in this damn conflict….” The dwarf hit the table violently. “I will not let you do this. You have no right.”

“Enough of this! Bring him out of here!” The King ordered his royal guards.

“What?” Two knights caught the dwarf from behind and lift him up before bringing him out of the tent. “This is not over, Charles.” The dwarf’s voice echoed back loudly as he was forcefully dragged away.

“Good riddance!” Charles spoke.

“Your Majesty….” Edward, who has been staying silent the whole time, uttered in awe after witnessing the outrage from his king.

“What? You think it’s wrong to get rid of him like that?” Asked Charles.

“Not at all! I could not do any better.” Grinned the mage.

“Hehe! I waited so long for this. Now, I feel much better.” Charles confessed.

“Your Majesty, while I do share your opinion, what do we do now? Goldbeard won’t stay put after this. He will certainly try to interfere, maybe even doing something drastic like….” The headmaster Ganon advised.

“Like assassinating me? I am not afraid of him. What is important now is we proclaim our surrender to Valhalla as soon as we can. From what I have seen so far, Morrigan and the demons are not so bloodthirsty as people claim they are. Perhaps we can reach to a consensus…Everything is better than having all my people die because of those dwarves.” Charles conveyed.

“But as a nation, we still owe Goldbeard and Dor a large sum. How do we suppose we do about that?” asked Ganon. “If we just say that we won’t pay, it will leave a stain on our integrity, making it very difficult to trade with anyone in the future. Not to mention, Dor will retaliate back and they won’t be so subtle this time.”

“You think we can ask Morrigan for that?” contemplated Charles.

“I am not sure I am following you…How do you expect our enemy to pay for our debts?” Ganon inquired.

“….She won’t pay for us….but she will pay for her own nation” Edward uttered as he realized Charles’ intention. “Your Majesty, are you suggesting that Ceadric should join Valhalla?”

“What?” Ganon yelled.

“Very good, Edward! Yes, I intend to abdicate the throne and hand over the ruler’s position to Morrigan. If we follow the Empress’ logic, then we know that she intends to assemble all countries under one banner. And if she is true to her words, she won’t let this chance go.” The King explained.

“But that would mean….” Ganon uttered.

“Master Ganon, if a crown or even my life can be exchanged for the lives of my citizens, then I will do it gladly. That’s the duty of a king after all.”

“Your Majesty….”

“Haha don’t look so sad! It’s a small price to pay. But never mind that! Can you send a messenger to the Valhalla army? We need to speak with them immediately.”

“Right away your Majesty….” But just as Ganon prepared to head out, a soldier rushed into the tent before kneeling in front of Charles in haste.

“Your Highness, I bring urgent news from the front line!” reported the soldier.

“What is it? Can it be that Valhalla is attacking us?” Charles questioned.

“I don’t think so sir! They only send out two persons claiming to be their representatives. They ask to speak with you.” Said the soldier.

“With me? Who are they?”

“They didn’t say, sir. One is a child about ten years old claiming to be the prince of Zagon and the other one….a bit odd.”

“Odd? What do you mean?” asked Ganon.

“He…I think it’s a ‘He’..is very tall and has his face all covered. But from their manner of speaking to each other, I think the little one is the one in charge.”

“The prince himself wants to see me? What perfect timing! Edward and master Ganon, let us go!” Charles declared.

“Wait a minute, your Majesty! What if it’s a trap?” Ganon uttered.

“They have no reason to at this point. Besides, even if it is, I must risk it. Will you come with me even after I said that?”

“Of course we will!” both Edward and Ganon spoke, lowering their heads to pay respect for their king.

“Then let us go meet this prince!”