Akira savored the last bite of the meal Jarvis had prepared, then leaned back in his chair, patting his mouth with a cloth provided by his diligent servant. "Thank you, Jarvis. The food was excellent as always."
Jarvis, watching his master with a mixture of pride and anxiety. "Master, there is important news that I must share with you."
Akira remained seated, his demeanor calm. "What is it, Jarvis?"
Jarvis takes a deep breath before speaking. "Master, during my trip to the city, I learned that a small army of demi-humans from the kingdom of Duatt is on its way here."
Akira continued to clean his face with the cloth, showing no immediate reaction.
Jarvis continued saying, "The Duatt king received a prophecy from his oracle. It foretold that a demon lord has been born in the Concordia region, one who will destroy everything in his path. The king has sent a small army to investigate, and a larger army will follow soon."
Akira stood and began walking toward his crafting room.Akira says in his mind, "I expected something like this, but not this soon. Necessary arrangements must be made."
Jarvis watched him go, feeling a pang of uncertainty. Had he said something wrong? Should he have investigated more? Perhaps Akira was simply trying to keep calm to prevent panic among his followers. He picked up the plates and began washing them, thoughts swirling in his mind.
A short while later, a carriage arrived at the gate of Fate's base. Inside were Oliver, the lord advisor, accompanied by a knight and a few guards. The sight of four strong hobgoblins, armed with high-quality weapons, immediately put the guards on edge.
The knight approached the gate, attempting to assert his authority. "This is the carriage of the advisor to the lord of Concordia. Open the gate if you value your lives."
From the backyard, Betagob, a towering ogre, emerged. The knight's bravado wavered as he looked up at the imposing figure. "What business do you have here, puny human?" Betagob growled.
Listening to the disrespect. The knight's hand went to his sword, but before he could draw it, Oliver stepped out of the carriage and shouted, "Sir James, that is enough! We are not here to make new enemies." He approached the gate and addressed Betagob. "I just want to meet the master of this place, the adventurer Fate."
Betagob listened and nodded, signaling a hobgoblin to fetch Akira. Oliver turned to the knight. "Be grateful I stopped you, or you would not be alive right now."
The knight looked puzzled. "Why is that, my lord?"
Oliver pointed to the roof of the building. The knight followed his gaze and saw another ogre and two hobgoblins, all armed and ready to unleash their arrows. Humbled, the knight stepped back.
Jarvis emerged from the house and approached the gate, his demeanor professional. "I am Jarvis, the caretaker of this place. How can I assist you, sir?"
Oliver introduced himself. "I am Oliver, advisor to Lord Leonard. I am here to discuss an urgent matter on behalf of my lord."
Jarvis suspected it was about the approaching army. "I apologize for keeping you at the gate, but I must seek my master's permission before allowing you to enter." He signaled the hobgoblins and Betagob to stand down, and they returned to their usual positions.
As Jarvis turned to go, Akira's voice came from behind. "Let them in, Jarvis."
Jarvis bowed slightly. "As you wish, master." He signaled the hobgoblins to open the gate. The carriage and the soldiers entered the base. Akira, wearing his mask, led them inside, followed by Oliver, Sir James, and Jarvis.
Akira took a seat in the living room, and Lesley welcomed the guests as they entered the house. Oliver glanced around, noting the contrast between the modest house and the formidable walls and gate.
"Please, have a seat," Jarvis said, showing the guests to a sofa opposite Akira. He then instructed Lesley to prepare tea.
Alphagob, an even more imposing ogre, entered from the back door, his giant sword resting on his shoulder. He stood behind Akira, his presence adding to the tension in the room. Sir James, intimidated, struggled to maintain his composure. Oliver, however, remained calm and started the conversation.
"Thank you for having us in your home, Fate," Oliver began.
"Your reputation precedes you," Oliver continued. "We require your help with a great calamity approaching Concordia."
Akira's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "What is this calamity?"
"The kingdom of Duatt has sent an army of more than a thousand demi-humans towards Concordia. They do not have good intentions. We need your assistance in defeating them."
Akira leaned back, considering the request. "Why do you need my help? I am merely an adventurer. The royal capital's forces should be sufficient."
Oliver shook his head. "The royal capital has entrusted this task to Lord Leonard until reinforcements arrive."
"Then surely Lord Leonard's forces are enough," Akira replied.
"Recent events have weakened our forces. To prevent further losses, we need your assistance," Oliver explained.
Lesley arrived with the tea and placed it on the table in front of Oliver and Sir James. Akira gestured towards the tea. "Please, enjoy the tea and you may leave afterwards. I cannot help you in this matter."
In a sudden burst of anger, Sir James stood and pointed at Akira. "How dare you—"
"Stop!" Akira commanded.
Sir James and Oliver turned to see Alphagob, who had moved in a flash behind Sir James, his great sword poised mid-swing. If Akira hadn't spoken, Sir James would have been cleaved in two.
Oliver stood quickly. "Sir James, apologize now."
Legs shaking with fear, Sir James sat down and, with a trembling voice, asked for Akira's forgiveness. Akira waved his hand, and Alphagob returned to his position behind Akira.
Oliver took a deep breath, maintaining his composure. "We are prepared to offer you more than gold. We know you are acquiring land around your base. We can offer you additional land to secure your investments and protect Concordia."