The council members harbored countless doubts about Fray's statements, yet they were left with no alternative but to take his words seriously. Despite the incredulity they felt, they acknowledged that his revelations held the potential to answer numerous lingering questions. One such enigma pertained to the three kingdoms' steadfast prohibition of crossing the red line in the ocean. Despite their claims of formidable sea monsters lurking beyond, the kingdoms had failed to present any substantial evidence to substantiate their assertions.
Within the Parada Trade Hall
The Parada Trade Hall, a sprawling establishment with branches scattered across the Lioran Kingdom, served as the backdrop for the unfolding events. Idar, his face etched with a labyrinthine expression, grappled with the weighty decisions ahead.
Fray had assigned each council member a task, and Idar's responsibility entailed investing a substantial sum from the company's depleted treasury which was already in a disastrous state. The task involved acquiring land in the distant city of Lifasy, a journey that spanned over two arduous months by cart from Iskar. Fray had asserted, without furnishing any evidence, that this land concealed a mine brimming with energy crystals.
Doubts gnawed at Idar's mind. Should he truly trust this enigmatic individual, despite the cold-hearted nature and convoluted mental afflictions that plagued Fray? Idar vehemently opposed the idea of placing Fray at the helm of the Parada family, for he knew all too well that Fray was merely a replica of his father—a harbinger of suffering for both the Parada family and IskaCityty.
In Idar's estimation, Elisa was better suited for the position. The council members had exhausted their efforts to persuade her to claim the throne, but their pleas had fallen on deaf ears.
One year prior
"Why do you persist in refusing, Elisa? If that child continues to rule over our family, it will inevitably lead to its ruin," Idar screamed.
"Idar, you're right. Elisa, you must challenge Fray for the family's leadership. Once you triumph, even Montaser will have no objections," Anas chimed in.
"And what makes you think I can emerge victorious?" Elisa responded in a low voice.
"We couldn't quite hear your words," Idar interjected after catching faint whispers escaping Elisa's lips.
"And why do you believe I can defeat Fray?" Elisa's voice reverberated, laden with intensity. "You all fear a Montaser, but you fail to recognize the true source of terror... You have no idea how formidable Fray truly is... he's..."
Although Elisa delivered those words with her customary icy demeanor, Idar discerned a trembling in her hands. The memory of that conversation sent shivers down his spine, leaving him awestruck.
(What unspeakable event could have transpired that would reduce a warrior from the Seventh Kingdom to trembling? Just what transpired that fateful night?)
Knock, knock, knock.
Abruptly, the sound of knocking echoed through the room.
"Enter," Idar beckoned.
"Sir, did you summon me?" inquired an elderly servant, clad in traditional attire.
"Prepare the cart. We are embarking on a journey to Lifasy City," Idar commanded.
Within the Parada family's grand palace
After the conclusion of the meeting, Fray retreated to his chemistry room, engrossed in his studies until the following morning. At daybreak, he proceeded with his customary training regimen, yet due to the dwindling energy reserves of the cemetery army, Fray absorbed ambient energy from the air. Consequently, the impact of his morning exercises paled in comparison to previous sessions.
Upon completing his exercises, Fray made his way to the family head's office to tend to the voluminous paperwork about Iskar City.
(It appears I must swiftly replicate Yassine's world's organic fertilizer), Fray ruminated as his gaze fell upon the food statistics for Iskar City.
Knock, knock, knock.
Suddenly, a knock resounded at the door.
"Sir, a letter has arrived from the Shield Team," Montaser informed as he entered.
"Thank you, Montaser," Fray acknowledged, retrieving the letter from Montaser's outstretched hand.
Having perused its contents, Fray realized that it merely inquired about his failure to cleanse the dungeon.
"Montaser, inform them that we will address the matter... no, on second thought, disregard their inquiry," Fray declared.
"Very well, sir," Montaser acknowledged. "And how would you like us to handle the intruder?"
"Let him be for now. He will be tired Soon enough," Fray responded, his voice laced with an air of calculated patience.