Oliphant's reaction was one of shock. The realization struck him like a revelation, every step of his journey had seemingly been orchestrated, a carefully laid path paved by unseen hands. It began with Zakia taking control, steering Oliphant towards the Valley of Sirens. The brutal act in the village several months ago when looked at from another perspective served as a force, deterring him from returning to the academy.
As he pondered his actions, Oliphant questioned why he had followed Zakia's trajectory instead of forging his own. The arrival of Kael, aware of Zakia's mission which he was made privy to a few hours ago, added another layer to the intricate design of his narrative, Oliphant didn't rule out the fact that even at this moment there was more that he would do for Zakia without even realizing it! Matter of fact he felt like even if he declined this offer he would still be pulled into this mess, somehow.
Now faced with a choice adhere to the predetermined path or carve his own destiny which may turn out to not be the destiny he he would be telling himself to be carving on his own but someone's orchestration.Oliphant confronted a lingering suspicion. A conclusion, previously dismissed, resurfaced with undeniable force: Zakia's influence extended beyond actions, seeping into the very fabric of his thoughts. The struggle for autonomy and the revelation of potential manipulation set the stage for a pivotal moment in Oliphant's journey.
Oliphant felt a great sense of danger at this moment. From Kael's point of view, it seemed like Oliphant was considering what the prince had come here to do and whether it was worth the risk, his gasp moments ago was probably due to underestimating his prince's ambition. As this unfolded, Kael sensed Oliphant's hesitancy due to these factors and decided to reinforce the prince's offer.
"The prince is a very influential figure. He can grant you any wish you may desire from him, anything you need, he can make it happen. " Kael said with a hint of nervousness.
Oliphant, just recovering from the shock and formulating countless scenarios on how to break free from Zakia's potential influence, responded solemnly, "I hear you... but before I can give you any form of an answer, what would be my role in all this?"
"That I cannot tell you," Kael responded with a certain degree of opacity. "The prince told me if you are interested, meet him at the designated area he mentioned, and you will be briefed on your role. After the mission is complete, you get your reward. High risks, high stakes. The decision is yours to make."
Silence enveloped the surroundings between Oliphant and Kael.
" No, this is too suspicious, too suspicious! Zakia, I'm not going there. This is your scheme. You knew this would happen; you want me to go there. Well, I'm not. I'm thwarting your plan. I'm leaving this place as soon as I send this guy away," Oliphant declared in his mind, addressing Zakia.
"Oh, foolish Oliphant, you're too slow on the uptake. I tried making you feel like you have a choice. At this point, all pieces are in place. If you abandon ship, you know what's waiting for us outside this place?"
"You evil bastard," Oliphant replied with an air of indignation and powerlessness.
"Yes, Azizi is outside. Knowing him, he will lay low. The only way you're safe from him is if you leave with the prince's entourage. Maybe you can try plotting your escape from there. Who knows, you might find a breakthrough," Zakia's tone was filled with sarcasm as if fanning the flames, that it was absolutely hopeless for Oliphant,he then also proceeded to say,
"You thought you would come to this world rob me of my body and then have a nice time, and be at the hero, that stopped the great Zakia in his tracks? In fact you're the villain in all this you robbed what belongs to me. You may think you are wise and mature because of your age but compared to me.. You are much too green."
Even though all this was said in Oliphant's mind and his head was ringing he managed to compose himself and saw a glimpse of Zakia's motive.
At the moment he came up with an answer for both parties, Zakia and Kael." Tell the prince I will be there to provide my insight, since his offer is very enticing, now if you'll please excuse me I'd like to go back to my room for a while." Oliphant said this string of words in a manner that made anyone who was listening not to notice the underlying anger a frustration he was feeling, he then got up to leave immediately." Kael did not react much to the sudden cutting short of the meeting as he just assumed Oliphant was going to make his preparations. "The prince looks forward to your arrival. " Kael said politely with a bit of excitement.
At that moment, Oliphant also responded to Zakia. "I see. I now understand that you're trying to induce despair, breaking down my mind to take control. Your plan is nearly perfect. In fact, your goal may not solely be the heart of sin everyone seeks. You plan to thrust me into a life-and-death situation, exerting your influence as you did back at the pond. A double-layered plan, or perhaps triple or multiple layers? Only you know. It doesn't matter. I know your ultimate goal: absolute control of your own body. But rest assured, I won't allow it. Watch me as I prepare to take you down; your reckoning will come in two days."
"I will live up to the title of 'villain' you've given me," Oliphant declared, determination shining in his eyes.
"Is that so? Well then, I look forward to what you do. I hope you don't disappoint," Zakia replied coldly.
Inner Peak of the Valley of Sirens
In the Matriarch's Chambers
"Matriarch, Sultan Azizi led a full squad here, forcefully entered my territory, and left without posing any immediate threat. However, this act unnerves me, as I cannot discern his purpose. I thought to seek your insight rather than discussing this with my fellow general sisters," General Raziya spoke with a tone of respect and slight trepidation.
An ice-cold voice reverberated in the chamber after a while, "Azizi was here? That is quite dangerous considering his ability, that is."