This world can be so cruel sometimes.
Kaimino was once a sprawling, bustling kingdom situated in the central region of these lands. Yet everything was gone when Camelot came visiting. From relations with other kingdoms all the way down to most of their income sources, it's safe to say they were ransacked when it happened. The past few years has been a sad sight for most people. However, since the induction of Han Yu-Jin as the emperor 5 years ago, the kingdom has finally begun to show a rise of some sorts. Despite the efforts he's made to save the kingdom from crisis, there's only been one thing that's been stalling their progress. Money. They need a lot of money to get out of the situation they're in. The problem is, they haven't had the breakthrough they were looking for.
Until today.
"10,000 golds"
the man said to Han and his wife Hana, who was sat beside him.
"I'm sorry what?"
Hana replied, in shock of just how much they're willing to pay for this job.
"You heard me, 10,000 golds is how much we're willing to pay you. This mission is of utmost importance to us and we believe that Kaimino has the manpower fit for this mission." The man said in response to Hana's state of shock
"So, you're telling me to take this girl from Rivia to Enden, you're willing to pay us 10,000 golds? I just don't get it. What's stopping you from doing this yourselves? And what makes us such a perfect candidate for this?"
"She's right. These have been questions wandering my mind since you stated the price." Han replied.
It wasn't a surprise he'd think this either. Up until now, they had only been accepting fodder missions that even an academy graduate with no experience could accomplish. And now, all of a sudden, they're being given a task that has a price similar to the spoils of war? For an escort mission? No matter how he looked at it, it just didn't make any sense
"You see, Camelot's guards have had an eye for us recently. I'm sure you're familiar with the Kingsglaive are you not? Ever since one of these escort missions failed, they've had an ultra-tight guard surrounding the borders near Rivia. In fact, we've sent our best warriors in to fend them off and yet they couldn't win either. As for the choice of you lot, I have been asked to refrain from revealing any personal details regarding this mission so I'm afraid I cannot go into any further detail. However, I do believe I can share with you the scale of this mission and its consequence."
"And what might that be?" Hana asked with curiosity
"The accomplishment of this mission could end Camelot's reign of superiority. It may even erase Camelot off the face of the Earth."
The air changed. Han and Hana knew this could have huge implications on the state of the world surrounding them. The thought of the consequences alone was enticing yet intimidating. They knew if they accepted this, they'd have to send their best warrior.
"Han…" Hana whispered, calling for her husband.
"Yes, my love?"
"I think this may be too dangerous for us"
"I can see that. However, I don't think we have much of a choice"
"What do you mean?"
"We already owe so much money to Celmion. Not to mention the loan of coppers we took from Polpanaria. Both of them are due within the next 3 months and I honestly don't think we can get enough to cover both of them that quickly. Unless we take this job that is."
"Can't we just tell them to wait? You do realize just how big this could be? If we fail, if he fails, Camelot will seize us to no end"
"I know. But right now, we need to take this risk. Remember what your father said? The best leaders are- "
"The ones who come out of the hardest situations with full confidence. I've heard that since I was 6. Can't believe it's being used for as important of an affair as this" Hana sighed.
"Honey, trust me. We will make it out of this. He will complete it for us."
She knew Han couldn't be convinced. She knew this mission was going to be accepted. She knew that, this mission could possibly define the future of Kaimino moving forward. It was scary, but like Han and her father once said she has to believe. Believe that Kaimino will get out of this and succeed.
"Ever since we signed the peace treaty with Rivia, we have always believed the words you've told and given us…"
Han begins, the man starts thinking they're about to reject and begins to worry
"This may be the most ridiculous and far-fetched preposition you have ever offered us. But I know an offer I can't refuse when I see one. And for that, I will accept this offer."
"In that case, I have one question for you." The man asks after breathing a sigh of relief
"What is it?" Han replied
"Who exactly do you plan to assign this task to. I have seen your forces and I can tell most of them are not ready for battle. In fact, I don't think they're even ready for simple hunting either"
"How dare you disrespect our forces?!" Hana erupts from her seat and shouts at the man
"Hana, please. Don't be a prisoner to your heart."
"But Han, he- "
"I heard what he said as well. Now sit my dear, I don't want your feet to hurt."
Hana obliges with her husband's wishes and sits down
"You are right, you know. Our current squads are very weak and inexperienced. Yet in the future they may become strong warriors. We may not have a warrior of amazing strength and unlimited stamina, but what we do have is a legend of the battlefield."
"Is that so? I hear he hasn't fought in 20 years and refuses to do so to this day."
"That may be true as well, but we will find a way to bring him back. He is the only person fit for this mission in our small kingdom. 20 years may be a long time. Enough for many to forget myths and legends. But a legend will remain a legend as long as his legacy still stands. Fortunately for us, he himself still stands."
"Very well then. It appears my job is done. Have a good day emperor."
"You too. Be sure to send the king my regards"
"With pleasure."
The man leaves the meeting room, knowing exactly who they are going to send in.
"He may have been a legend but a legend don't mean shit if a sword goes through him. I can only pray he isn't so old that he can't avoid that." The man sighed, hoping that this mission is a success.
Meanwhile, a voice is heard from the other end of the room
"Emperor, how was the meeting?"
"It was fine Ari. Besides, you don't have to call me that you know? It's been 10 years and yet you've stuck by it like its religion"
Ari Gyeong-Hui, sister of Hana Yu-Jin and sister-in-law of Kaimino's emperor Han Yu-Jin. As the secretary of the emperor, she must be present at all times to monitor and assist the emperor (except in personal affairs of course)
"I've told you this time and time again but rules are rules."
"Oh well, might as well give up on it then. But that's besides the point. I actually need your help"
"My help? You don't see this happen every day. Come on then what is it?" Ari said with an eagerness rarely seen in her.
She knew that if Han needed her help, it was something very important.
"Awaken the Dragon for me"
"Dragon? What dragon? Have you been eating those mushrooms Sakaki gifted us I told you those would give you weird visions"
"No dumbass. I'm talking about Ryukishi. For god's sake you always gotta think the worst of me don't you" Han said in an uncharacteristically different accent.
Ari always knew how to bring out the non-emperor-like qualities in him.
"I know. I know. Just wanted to see if I'm partially true you know." Ari giggled. She knew she could mess with him as she was assigned this job by Hana and so the only way she could be fired is if Hana did so herself. But she knew her sister wasn't like that. In fact, she's giggling along with her
"Oi! How did that make you laugh Hana?! Come on gimme a break!"
"I'm sorry dear but you do tend to get yourself into these situations back in the day" she says as she still giggles
"Anyhow, you do know your job right, Ari?"
"Yes, I need to bring Ryukishi here, right?"
"No. You need to convince him to do the mission"
"WHAT?! ME?! CONVINCE THE MAN WHO HASN'T FOUGHT FOR 20 WHOLE YEARS?! GET OUT OF HERE!"
"You know this is why I normally don't ask for your help. If you do manage to do it though, I'll give you 2 weeks off" Han said with a shit-eating grin on his face
"Don't think such simple things will convince me brot- I mean emperor."
"Hah, almost caught ya there. Well, if that won't work how about a basket of Persimmons from- "
"I am on my way as we speak" Ari closes the door she came from and leaves in a rush
"Didn't think that would work" Han said with an amused face
"I did tell you she loves Persimmons. But dear, are you serious? Bringing him back? We don't even know if he'll accept it."
Han walks towards a set of armor from the war.
"Have faith, Hana. It's been 20 long years but I believe now is the time. This mission is worth bringing back a dead dragon. In due time, the world shall remember his name once more. The world will see the greatness of Kaimino's warriors. The world will fear the Blood Dragon once again."
Han looks up at the set of armor with its intricate design and dark red accents. The pieces are battle-hardened so they can't be worn effectively but the scars of past battles remain to tell the tale of the warrior that donned this armor. It was a work of art and now, he's bringing the artist back to life
"The world will fear Ryukishi Yamamoto once again."