Merlin brought me to the hall of Skeletons. It was unlike I imagined, a building of some sorts. From outward appearance it obviously looked better than my 'palace', because it is a real building, made with effort and planning.
The wall was curved with black stones almost so that it blends in with the dark environment, making it hardly noticable. I noticed it though, because I am a smart apple.
There were, as the name suggests, lots of skeletons hanging out nearby and around. I even saw Hahu who was sitting at the top of a small rock not too far away deeply thinking of something. I guess he did not notice me, because whichever monster noticed me, rushed to greet and welcome me to their habitat.
I felt like walking but gave up on the thought imagining how much energy that would consume. I am surprised that I was even awake, actually. Perhaps I could only be awake until I spend a certain anount of energy...? I had no idea.
I sat like before, lazily on Merlin's head entering the hall. Inside there was fire lit up in torches. I thought skeletons could see in the dark since they always live in it, but who knew. Or maybe it's just a special arrangement for me? That's annoying, I have so many questions but I am too shy to ask them.
I need a loyal... what are they called? Secretary?
It was at that moment that I heard a boom, as if something just landed. I looked outside as the entrance was still visible. It was the giant spirit that was with Mar Hast in the gathering.
He was one of the strongest spirit! Actually, the second strongest after Mar Hast himself.
I looked forward and kept 'walking' as Merlin carried.
I understood that the monsters and spirits are gathering here. It was surely Kavest's arrangements. Where is he though?
I called a random skeleton.
"Where is Kavest?"
"Wizard Kavest, your Majesty? He... He told us he will be here today. He... He is late."
Of course that sinister mage is late. He does not respect me, I know! These humans...
"Your Majesty, should I lead you to the... to the second floor? There's a balcony. You can observe... Observe the entire event from there."
Did all skeletons have different ways of talking? This one was talking as though he just forgot his previous word.
"Sure."
"Alright, please follow me."
Merlin followed the very average looking skeleton.
As we walked all the monsters and spirits who saw me kept bowing down and greeting me with respect.
I don't know. I really don't.
But it feels... Unbecoming of me. I am a literal apple who has no power of his own... And I am their King, also their guardian... How strange.
In the second floor's balcony, we soon arrived. Merlin extended his skin allowing me to reach higher and see what was going on below.
The skeleton was right. I could see the entirety of what was happening from here. Damn, I thought. Perhaps I should change my palace from the silly tree lair to this actual palace.
Nevermind, my lair was actually much bigger than this's... Even though it was a just a tree. It was too gigantic, I guess.
As I watched, I suddenly noticed two feminine figures. They were the Viyanka and Bivishi sisters, I knew. They are also among the top powerhouses of Astagha.
There is also the giant spirit.
Hm... Wait where is Ratabat? Only Ratabat and Kavest are the ones remaining, among the strong ones whom I somewhat know at least.
Below me, it was swirming with all sorts of spirits and monsters. I ordered the skeleton who guided me to here to go back to the first floor and join them. He did not delay to obey me.
It really feels dominating to be hailed as a King. How foolish are they. Just because I was their guardian centuries ago? Do they not understand that I have lost the power now? I am just a literal apple now.
A screech resounded. It was like a bird's screech. I looked up at the sky that was overcast with large trees and clouds. But I managed to get a sight of the bird far away. It had crystalline skin, and it's legs had no scales.
It was Ratabat, no doubt.
Lastly, where was Kavest?
OH! I was dumbfounded.
I had forgotten that I cannot see that stupid wizard. Perhaps he had been here for the entire time.
This is so annoying...
My suspicion was confirmed just a minute later.
As soon as Ratabat landed in front of the hall of Skeletons, where along with him, all the other monsters and spirits of Astagha also gathered, a familiar sound shouted loudly.
It was very similar to the gathering few days ago. But the amount of population was less. Perhaps Kavest removed or did not invite the very weak spirits and monsters.
"We are before you, O King of Astagha. I, Kavest, has fulfilled your commandment and created the best of armies we could foster."
I did not say anything. He continued.
"By your permission, I wish to inform you the way I classified our force. Then we can make amendments."
"I give you the permission." I replied with the loudest voice I could muster.
"I am grateful!" said Kavest. Thereafter, it was pure silence for a short time. I noticed tension and excitement among the monsters. Perhaps he did the whole thing himself without discussing too much with the general populace. Well, I had no problems as long as his system was decent.
"I have divided our force into four sectors. The 76 slimes and giant slimes in the forest belong to Sector 1, all the 89 four-legged monsters along with the bird monsters belong to Sector 2. Then the spirits, all the 408 skeletons to Sector 3. Then for Sector 4, it is left for all strongest spirits or monsters. All the 8 among the knight spirits, all the 42 plant monsters in Astagha, and the outsiders who will join us in the future. However the outsiders may be distributed aming other Sectors as well.
The leader of Sector 4 is Ratabat, infamously knows as Ratabat the Shapeshifter. He is also the great grandson of the first generation monster, Ristismal the Arcane of Change. He is also the first monster to have responded to our King's call and appear in the forest.
The leader of Sector 3 is Fann Rioma. Who is also famously deemed to be the fastest and strongest knight in Astagha."
Fann? Is it the giant knight?
"The leader of Sector 2 is Bivishi. The fourth generation monster who has been serving Astagha for last many centuries.
Lastly, the leader of Sector 1 is Viyanka. The elder sister of Bivishi, who has also been serving Astagha for many centuries.
All the monsters and spirits are absolutely obligated to obey their leaders. The force might seem small but with efficient use of them, nothing is small. I am confident in their capabilities, your Majesty."
"You have given your no role?" I asked in front of everyone, blatantly.
"I dared not to." he replied.
Cunning.
"Then I make you the general. From now, I admit your suggestion. However room for amendment is open. You are in charge of the overall military affairs of Astagha!
For now, Sector 2, under Bivishi. You have the fastest spirits, consisted of donkey-beasts and birds. Rush! Rush to the borders of Astagha! Go to wherever the defense is worst!
Followed by Sector 4 in the second worst! Then 3, then 1! Rush!"
It was a commandment by pure isntinct. Perhaps, I was wrong. But... I don't know... I am so overly confident while passing judgements, as thought something possesses me.
I made a huge blunder while not considering the border defense of Astagha. We had zero safety then. It was the perfect opportunity for invasion. Sigh... Such a blunder...
"Today could be both the end or rise of Astagha!"