The Eclipse players and their accompanying NPCs were seated next to Grand Admiral Azerof and Supreme Chancellor Souley.
Among the players, only Apophis knew the significance of these two, and what a great honor they had been shown!
Of course, the honor given to Apophis and his group was not the primary consideration of their seating. All the galaxy was watching recordings of this event and seeing Apophis and his guild seated in positions of honor.
The Grand Admiral had arranged this to promote his own prestige, hoping to give the appearance that Apophis was working for him, that he had subjugated the man whom many throughout the galaxy were beginning to call the King of the Eternals—and though he was taken aback by Apophis's appearance, which was quite different from how he'd looked when they last met each other, he took it in stride and acted as though he'd expected this outcome.
Secretly, though, Azerof seethed with anger inside. It would be quite difficult to further his Human Supremacy agenda alongside a champion warrior who no longer looked human. Even still, the value of this planned propaganda would help him immensely. He even hoped that it would make the Eternals themselves come to look at him with awe, as someone whom Apophis respected!
The parade soon ended, and Grand Admiral Azerof summoned Apophis—alone—to a private chamber. The two men stared each other in the eye without speaking for a long while.
Eventually, the Grand Admiral yielded. "Your power—as an individual, to be precise—has increased considerably! Your aura is sinister, and your physique has become cold and powerful. What a fantastic advantage you Eternals have, to adapt and evolve so easily. I suppose you have me to thank for this newest form. The support I sent your way was instrumental in the success of your recent mission, correct?"
Apophis gave a light smile. "It's true that your support contributed to my ascension. However, I think we both have each other to thank… 'Grand' Admiral! The events that took place on Era were obviously instrumental to your promotion, and I've heard a lot about how my former soldiers have been extremely effective in the first border skirmishes against the Orc Empire!"
"Then," said the Grand Admiral, "our collaboration has been profitable for both of us. It stands to reason that we should strengthen that collaboration. Don't you agree? At the moment, only 100,000 Eternals have integrated into the Federation army—almost entirely the number you led on Era. Meanwhile, more Eternals arrive on Era with every passing day. According to our intelligence sources, the number of Eternals has surpassed 300,000,000!
"Surely you see the problem, Apophis. Your people are a rising threat to the Federation, especially considering how few of you are joining the Federation army. Meanwhile, we also face the active threat of the Orc Empire."
Apophis interjected. "They're only a threat because you failed to handle the situation properly. Yes, it was a good idea to cast the blame immediately upon the Orc Empire… but it's obvious that when they decided to push back against your claims, instead of ignoring them, that you should have apologized profusely and shifted the blame even further.
"You should have claimed that another force tricked you into believing it was the Orcs who had attacked, to make the Orcs your allies. With enough misdirection and red tape, your own role in the destruction of the Tyottings would have been lost forever. Instead, you've made this whole mess for yourself!"
Azerof scowled at this. "That would have been foolish. To admit the Orcs had nothing to do with it would have immediately returned all the suspicion back to your Eternals. I would never ally myself with a xeno race as pathetic as the Orcs just to avoid a bit of trouble. And furthermore, I can't let your people endanger us, Apophis! Total war against the Orcs is coming. No avoiding it now. I want you to pledge your support to me.
"I need more men, and your people are formidable warriors! Their rapid progress, their fighting spirit, and above all, their immortality makes you the most promising fighters in the galaxy. And I know the influence you hold over your people. Eternals may see you as a hero or an enemy, but regardless, they can't ignore you and the weight of your actions! That's why I need your help."
System: Quest Notification.
╔══════════════╕
╟─╼ [Secret Quest] Massive Conscription
║ ╰╼[Recommended Level] ???
║ ╰╼[Difficulty] A+
║ ╰╼[Time Limit] 7 days
╟─╼[Summary] Grand Admiral Azerof asked you to recruit an army of players.
╟─╼[Objective] Convince 10,000,000 players of at least LvL 10 to join the Federation army.
╟─╼[Reward] Varies based on result. Possible promotion in the Federal army + many GC + much Galactic Prestige.
╟─╼[Failure Penalty] Loss of reputation with the Federation of United Planets and with Grand Admiral Azerof + loss of status for Federation-aligned players.
╚═══════════════╛
System: Do you accept this quest?
Apophis was shocked! That bastard Azerof was watching the Eternals closely indeed, as the figure of 300,000,000 players seemed quite accurate. Apophis remembered Azerof's reputation from his first life. He realized that this mission was a perfect example of Azerof's infamous philosophy: the ends justify the means.
But the part which surprised Apophis was the generosity of the quest rewards—especially the Galactic Prestige, a kind of reputation currency which was extremely hard to get and which would be useful all throughout the game.
Even if the rewards hadn't been as good, Apophis would have accepted the quest. After all, he was a player. If the Federation started persecuting Eternals, Apophis's time in the game would get much harder.
"I accept," he said.
Azerof stood up. "Good! This mission must remain secret, of course. Also, remember: once they join the Federation, all Eternals will be under my command. Keep that in mind. Now, I have a war council I must attend. Please enjoy the feast!"
They both left the room and Apophis returned to his team. He took Antanria so they could get some rest and kissed Lotus tenderly before parting.
***
Terra, being one massive city stretched across the entire planet, was full of every decadence imaginable. Especially so close to the grandest palace on the planet, there were many luxurious hotels available!
Between the 2,513,000 GC in his inventory and the 11,058,245 GC in the Eclipse guild treasury, Apophis had more than enough to purchase whatever he desired.
So it was time to experience a few of the comforts he deserved! Apophis decided to stay at the Royal Palace of Terra, one of the most renowned hotels in the entire game. It was famous for its exotic food, spa and massage services, swimming pools, private jacuzzis… and luxury xeno prostitutes, of course.
Apophis ordered an exotic limousine to pick him up—one that was fluorescent green, of all colors—for 10,000 GC. Sure, it was a waste of money, but he could easily afford it!
The limousine arrived much more quickly than he'd expected, but Apophis didn't give it much thought. After all, he was paying quite a lot, so the service should be perfect!
But as Apophis and Antanria climbed into the luxury car, the doors locked and sleeping gas filled the air, rendering them both unconscious!