Chapter 209: 2-way trust?
In the dimly lit, opulent office, Haido sat on his large throne-like chair, studying Malik with an intensity that would have made any lesser person squirm. Malik, however, appeared completely at ease, leaning over the map spread across Haido's massive desk. Beside the map sat the legendary Book of Gelel, Haido's prized possession and supposed source of information on the ancient power he sought.
"Three keys," Malik began, tracing a path on the map. "One in the Land of Fire, another in the Land of Wind, and the third in the Land of Earth. Each key unlocks a separate section of the Vein of Gelel."
Haido's interest was piqued, though he kept his expression neutral. Malik's words hung in the air, and it was clear that he was just getting started.
"This civilization," Malik continued, "they didn't only use Gelel for war and power. They harnessed its abilities to heal, to grow crops faster, to purify water, even to expand livestock production. They created a society that thrived on the life energy it provided, building faster, producing more…" Malik paused with a sly smile. "But of course, you already knew that, didn't you?"
Haido's face remained impassive, though his fingers twitched slightly over the arm of his throne. "Interesting. The Book of Gelel barely touched on these applications, only referencing the use of Gelel in battle." His words dripped with a subtle hint of suspicion.
Malik's mind raced. Either Haido was lying, or he genuinely didn't know. Malik chose his next words carefully, maintaining his air of calm, if not playful indifference. "Then I'd say the book is incomplete, or perhaps it has been… selectively edited?"
Haido's eyes narrowed, clearly catching Malik's meaning. "And how is it, Malik, that you know so much about these people and their ways?"
With a smooth chuckle, Malik replied, "For the same reason you crossed an entire ocean to find it: knowledge. While I didn't sail across the sea, I learned of the descendants of this ancient civilization who still pass down their knowledge. They're wanderers—tribes that move across these lands."
Haido leaned back in his chair, his lips curling into a thin smile. "You expect me to believe there's a tribe out there, a scattered remnant of this ancient people, that just happens to know all about the Vein of Gelel?"
Malik nodded, "It would be foolish to try and track them down. Even if you did manage to find them, it's doubtful they'd tell you anything useful. No," he said, drawing Haido's gaze back to the map. "Luckily, I know enough to help you find what you're looking for."
Haido's grin turned predatory. "I see why my knights find you so charming. But let's see how useful you really are."
Malik's confidence remained unshaken as he turned his attention back to the map. He pointed to three locations in the Lands of Fire, Wind, and Earth, each marking the supposed locations of ancient ruins or temples. "Each temple has a key, which is also part of the map. Together, the keys lead to the main ruin that holds the true Vein of Gelel."
Haido clapped his hands with satisfaction, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Perfect. We'll set off immediately. I'll send my knights out to retrieve these keys," he said, his fingers hovering over a button on his desk.
"Actually, if I may suggest something," Malik interjected, his tone still calm. "These temples require more than just finding and entering. Each one must be presented with a fresh Stone of Gelel. The temple 'imprints' on a new stone, recognizing it as a conduit. But there's a catch: each stone can only be imprinted once, and if multiple stones are present, the temple won't respond. Bringing a stone that's already been imprinted could even reset our progress."
Haido seemed momentarily taken aback, then intrigued. "And who exactly told you all this?"
Malik shrugged with a disarming smile. "Consider it the wisdom of ancient people passed down to those who sought their knowledge. Each step in this journey requires understanding and precision." He gestured to the book on Haido's desk. "That book may give the basics, but my knowledge will get you through the finer details."
Haido leaned forward, the calculating glint in his eyes growing sharper. "So, each of my knights would need to bring their own fresh Stone of Gelel to activate the temples?"
"Precisely," Malik replied. "Each stone, each knight, at each temple. And, of course, I'll need to accompany them. I'm the only one who truly understands what to look for within these ruins."
Haido's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he considered Malik's proposal. "You, Malik? You are no warrior. And yet, you're volunteering to enter these temples?"
Malik's gaze was unwavering, his confidence unshaken. "If I don't, Haido, you risk losing time and resources on guesswork. Let me accompany your knights. By the time we reach the final ruin, you'll be fully prepared to claim what's rightfully yours."
Haido chuckled softly, though Malik could see he was carefully weighing every word. "You certainly know how to spin a convincing tale, Malik. But mark my words," he said, his voice lowering to a dangerous growl, "if you're lying to me, if this is a ploy… I'll make you wish we'd never crossed that ocean."
Malik's response was a confident shrug. "I don't lie, Haido. Trust me when I say, we both want the same thing."
Haido pushed back against his throne, his face a mask of reluctant acceptance. "Very well. We'll start here, in the Land of Fire, and find this temple you speak of." He eyed Malik with a predatory gleam. "But make no mistake—you're on a very short leash."
Malik acknowledged with a bow, subtly feigning deference. "Of course, my lord."
Seated back on his throne, Haido's expression softened, his usual benevolent facade falling back into place. "The power of Gelel," he murmured, almost to himself. "With its strength, we will bring peace to this world. A world without war, without suffering. A world where the strong can protect the weak, and the weak are no longer oppressed." His voice became almost reverent, as though he were speaking to an unseen congregation. "This world will see the truth, and they will know the salvation that only Gelel can bring."
Malik hid his skepticism behind a neutral expression, though he couldn't resist a small, private smile as he listened to Haido's delusional monologue.
A soft chime echoed in the room as the door slid open, and the armored footsteps of Haido's knights echoed into the chamber. Haido's voice took on an imperious tone. "Knights, prepare yourselves. We leave for the Land of Fire at first light. Malik, I expect you to hold up your end of this alliance."
Malik gave a small nod. "You have my word, Haido."
As the meeting concluded, Haido's calculating gaze lingered on Malik, still assessing, still suspicious. But Malik met his gaze with unwavering calm, knowing he had laid the foundation for what would be a carefully orchestrated plan. The pieces were in motion, and he was ready to guide them exactly where he wanted.
=
As Malik left Haido's office, he shot a casual wink toward Haido's three knights, Fugai, Kamira, and Ranke, with that signature playful glint in his eye. Fugai rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, clearly unimpressed but also somewhat intrigued by Malik's audacity. Kamira, on the other hand, allowed herself a sly smile, raising an eyebrow as if accepting his flirtation in her own calculated way. Ranke huffed, her arms crossed, yet she couldn't hide the slight flush in her cheeks, which only annoyed her more.
When Malik was finally out of earshot, Haido's expression turned deadly serious. "Now is our chance," he said, his voice a low command. "The time to figure out this Malik is now. We need to know his intentions, his capabilities, and if there's any truth to his claims. For all we know, he could be leading us into a trap."
Haido paused, letting his words sink in. "I'll plan our route to the first temple and choose one of you to enter with him. Be prepared for anything, both within the temples and outside them. If Malik is truly sincere, we might benefit. But if he deceives us… you know what to do."
Kamira's lips curled into a smirk. "I've got no problem with that, Lord Haido," she purred. "In fact, I'd like to be the first to get up close and personal with our charming informant. I have ways of loosening his tongue."
Fugai sneered. "We're not here to play around, Kamira. The objective is to get information, not waste time in… distractions." She said the last word with thinly veiled disdain, though her own curiosity about Malik was unmistakable.
Ranke nodded in agreement, her gaze hardening. "He may be smooth with words, but there's no room for weakness here. If he's lying, we'll uncover it soon enough."
Satisfied with their resolve, Haido addressed them once more. "Each of you will be tested, and so will Malik. His plans, whatever they are, must align with our mission to reach the Vein of Gelel. Do not lose sight of that."
With final nods of understanding, the three knights left Haido's presence, ready to prepare for their individual roles.
Outside the room, Malik strolled down the corridor, wearing a self-satisfied smile after the exchange. Waiting near the end of the hallway was Kiyomi, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, her silver hair reflecting the hallway's muted light. Her gaze sharpened as she saw him approach.
"Done charming the enemies?" she asked dryly, though her slight smirk revealed her amusement.
"Oh, always," Malik replied with a playful shrug. "Although, to be fair, it's hardly work with such a captive audience."
Kiyomi raised an eyebrow. "Let's hope that 'audience' doesn't stab you in the back. So, what's the plan?"
Malik glanced over his shoulder, making sure they were alone, before leaning closer to Kiyomi. "Haido's biting. He's planning the route, and he'll assign one of his knights to join me in each temple. This means we'll have access to every one of them – if we're careful."
Kiyomi nodded, understanding. "And these knights… any chance of winning them over, or are they set on following Haido?"
"Haido's grip on them is strong, but there's always room to work with doubt," Malik mused, his voice a quiet murmur. "They each have their own motivations, and I don't think Haido's 'utopia' vision is the main one for all of them. I'll focus on getting closer, figuring out which ones might be willing to question him."
Kiyomi's eyes flickered with a brief look of concern. "And what if Haido catches wind of any of this?"
"He suspects me, naturally," Malik admitted, "but that suspicion is exactly why he's drawn to keeping me around. We just need to keep enough trust on the table to make it seem like I'm entirely on his side."
Kiyomi straightened, her expression softening only slightly. "Then let's make sure neither of us does anything reckless."
Malik gave her a reassuring smile. "We've got this. Besides," he added, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I'll be doing a lot more cooking. Who could suspect anything from a man with a good recipe?"
Kiyomi shook her head, suppressing a laugh. "If anyone could pull it off, it's you, Malik. Just… don't get too comfortable. You may have them eating out of your hand, but that doesn't mean they're harmless."
"Noted, my dear Tempest," he said warmly. He gently squeezed her hand, a silent promise that they would see this plan through together, no matter the cost.
With a final nod, Malik and Kiyomi moved away from the secluded hall, preparing for the steps that lay ahead.
=
In the cool shadows of the garden room, Malik hummed softly to himself as he examined the fresh vegetables growing in neat rows. The rich greens and vibrant reds filled the air with a subtle, earthy scent, a grounding change from the often sterile metal and marble of Haido's fortress. Focused on picking the ripest ones, he didn't notice Kamira's approach, her presence masked by her light, yet deliberate footsteps.
Kamira stopped a few paces away, tilting her head as she observed him, her crimson eyes scanning over his form with a mix of amusement and intrigue. Dressed in his expensive attire, Malik was clearly unconcerned about getting a bit of dirt on himself, something Kamira found both intriguing and amusing. Her gaze lingered on his form, specifically on his surprisingly firm posterior, emphasized as he leaned over to examine the vegetables.
"Shouldn't someone as… refined as you have someone else doing the dirty work?" Kamira's voice cut through the stillness.
Malik straightened up, glancing over his shoulder, a faint smirk on his lips. "Well, getting my hands dirty now and then builds character, wouldn't you agree?"
Kamira returned his smile, though her eyes held a sharper, playful glint. She stepped closer, brushing her fingers along one of the leafy greens. "Perhaps. But you seem far too charming to be stuck with such menial tasks." She raised an eyebrow, her gaze drifting to the dirt on his sleeves. "Though I must say, a man like you shouldn't go around looking… unpolished."
Malik chuckled, brushing a bit of soil off his hands before waving a hand over his clothes, a light shimmer of magic cleaning away every trace of dirt and restoring his attire to its pristine state. "Better?"
"Much," Kamira replied, her eyes lingering on him. "I've heard quite a bit about your abilities, Malik. But I think there's more to you than even your talents suggest."
"Oh?" Malik leaned against the edge of the garden bed, clearly amused. "And what, pray tell, have you heard?"
Kamira let a faint smirk tug at the corner of her lips, drawing a slow circle on the edge of the garden box with her finger. "Rumors. Whispers, really. That you're here to help us find Gelel's power, but that you're no ordinary man." Her eyes narrowed playfully, as if daring him to share more.
"Rumors can be fun, but they're not always true," Malik teased back. "Though I do find it fascinating that you're so interested. Have I left that strong an impression?"
Kamira's laughter was soft, yet held a hint of a challenge. "Impressions, sweetie, are what I live for." She stepped a little closer, brushing her hair back from her shoulder, revealing the elegant contours of her armor crafted to accentuate her figure, particularly her ample chest, the turquoise glinting in the garden's soft light. "After all, I believe you and I have more in common than you might think."
"Oh, do we now?" Malik raised an eyebrow, meeting her gaze directly, his own eyes glinting with intrigue. "Do tell."
She leaned in, dropping her voice to a near whisper. "I've heard that you're coming with me to the first temple."
Malik's smile widened. "Now that's news I'm thrilled to hear." His tone turned flirtatious as he added, "You must be thrilled as well. After all, it's rare you get someone as charming as me by your side."
Kamira laughed, her voice filled with a mixture of humor and curiosity. "Thrilled? Perhaps. Though I'd say intrigued suits me better." She tilted her head, giving him a once-over. "But you'll have to earn the privilege of seeing just how thrilled I can be."
"Oh, a challenge," Malik responded, feigning a look of exaggerated excitement. "I love a good challenge, especially when the prize is as beautiful as you."
Kamira let out a soft, mocking hum of approval, but her eyes sparkled with a hint of real enjoyment at his words. "Well then, I suppose I'll show you to my room later. After all, it would be a shame for us to be strangers while we're out on such an important mission." She leaned in just a touch closer, voice laced with seduction. "I trust you'll find me there… when you're ready."
Malik maintained eye contact, offering a slight bow. "How could I refuse an invitation like that?"
Kamira brushed a hand against his cheek lightly before stepping back, her smile lingering. "I look forward to seeing what you're truly capable of, Malik." With that, she spun on her heel and left the garden room, casting him one last playful look as she disappeared.
Hidden nearby, Kiyomi observed the exchange with an impassive expression. When Kamira was gone, she stepped out from her hiding spot, fixing Malik with a hard stare.
"Building trust with her?" she asked, tone half-sarcastic but edged with real concern.
Malik grinned, shrugging. "Can't hurt, right? Besides, she has her… interesting qualities."
Kiyomi folded her arms, gaze unwavering. "Just don't get too distracted by those 'qualities,' Malik. She's got a hidden agenda, and I don't trust her."
Malik chuckled, picking up a bundle of vegetables. "Neither do I. But remember, Kiyomi, this is all part of the plan. And with you by my side, what's the worst that could happen?" He winked at her, resuming his task with a grin that hinted at both confidence and mischief.
Kiyomi just rolled her eyes, following him out as they left the garden, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.