In the wake of their agreement, the Don swiftly turned his attention to Alexander who, despite the nigh omnipotent elixir, was still plagued with a few nagging injuries.
"Please treat my guest."
After a simple gesture of his hand, a group of both men and women entered the room, their attires reminiscing of Roman times. They were wearing earthy-hued tunics belted at the waist, with various and unknown tools hanging from the belts. Over these were long cloaks in lighter shades, allowing for ease of movement, while their practical sandals crisscrossed up their ankles. Their hair was also neatly tied back or under cloth caps, ensuring focus as they began to tend to Alexander. Strangely, their presence brought a solemn yet hopeful energy into the room, which intrigued Lloyd.
What happened next, however, was nothing short of extraordinary.
These people, or really healers, with their hands glowing with a soft, ethereal light, passed their palms over his injuries, which began to close and knit together as if by some invisible thread. The process was gentle yet swift, and within moments, the General's wounds had completely healed, leaving both him and Christopher in awe, as there were absolutely no traces left. The display had simply been mesmerizing and was a stark reminder of the limitless potential of magic, further reinforcing the vast and untapped possibilities lying within the scientist's grasp.
With his recovery now assured, it was time to discuss another urgent topic.
"Don, or should I say Frank, will we be okay to leave the city?"
Upon hearing his question, the Don erupted into another round of hearty laughter.
"Don't worry," he assured, his amusement evident.
"No noble would dare touch you after what just happened here. It would essentially amount to going against the Emperor himself."
The assurance was a relief, but it wasn't as much their safety as his daughter's that worried him, since one misstep could transform into a disaster. When sensing that Christopher's apprehensions still lingered, he quickly figured them out.
"Don't worry about my daughter. She's capable and will not be a burden to you," his tone a mix of confidence and paternal pride.
"Just tell me where you want her to wait for you, and she'll be there."
The simplicity of the arrangement indicated a level of trust and autonomy granted to his child, suggesting that she was more than just a mere pawn in his plans. Still, this was yet another layer added to the intricate tapestry of Lloyd's journey, a new companion who had her own ties and allegiances. His only hope, at this point, was to convince her over time and show her glimpses of what he wanted to achieve.
Once he gazed outside, however, he noticed that daylight was already starting to set, prompting him to say he'd depart immediately.
"Guess I'll call her right now, then. Tell her about the situation as well."
With but a nod, a servant immediately left the suite with urgency, the instructions clear. The minutes then ticked by in a blend of anticipation and uncertainty, as the engineer began to wonder if she'd truly come.
But right on cue, the aide returned, accompanied this time by a cloaked figure, its features entirely obscured by the garment and making her already unknown identity even more enigmatic.
The Don, observing the scene with a mix of paternal concern and pragmatic detachment, decided to speak up.
"You'll have to excuse her. It seems she's not very fond of this plan of mine."
His words, though cold, hinted at the complexity of their relationship, the tensions and unspoken dynamics that existed between a father of his stature and his child. Christopher, empathizing with her situation, felt a pang of sympathy. After all, she had been thrust into this arrangement as a means to an end, a tool in her father's machinations. Of course, his earlier feeling still remained, as he truly believed that he cared for her, but this was presently of no consequence.
With her now in his party, he also felt a sense of responsibility towards her, just like he had felt when recruiting his research team, making this quite nostalgic.
"It's alright," he said, addressing her with a tone of genuine understanding and acceptance. "I'm glad you're with us."
His words were an attempt to bridge the gap, to offer a sense of inclusion and camaraderie in a situation that was undoubtedly fraught with complexity and uncertainty. Her response, if any, was of course hidden beneath the cloak, making his attempt seem futile. Nevertheless, his gesture marked the beginning of a new chapter in his journey, one that now included a mysterious woman who, despite her circumstances, was part of their shared destiny.
With their business in Gruzia concluded, the newly formed trio prepared to depart from the Sanguis, with Frank having arranged their ride, a gesture that, while not matching the luxurious standards of the United's coach, provided a comfortable and secure way out of the Megapolis.
As they settled inside, the comfort of the vehicle offered a moment of respite, a brief opportunity for Christopher to process the rapid succession of events that had redefined him. He thought about the incredible adventures he had encountered since arriving in this new world – a realm where the boundaries of reality were expanded by the existence of magic and the complexities of political intrigue.
From Alexander's summoning to the astounding realization of his own magical abilities, every step had been a leap into the unknown, a test of his adaptability and resolve. Even in moments of uncertainty and danger, he had found ways to evolve and adapt, with his knowledge, once confined to the context of his past life, now taking on new dimensions, empowered by the new and numerous challenges of this world. In the midst of these reflections, he also recalled the system prompts that had appeared during his confrontation in the Sanguis, although dismissing them at the time to urgently focus on the situation at hand. Now, as he journeyed away from the city, these memories lingered in his mind, hinting at further developments in his abilities and understanding of Arcadia.
The journey towards "The Guardian," the testament to Gruzian engineering and defensive prowess, came to an end as the imposing structure loomed ever so closer. Its sheer scale, spanning kilometers in length and soaring hundreds of meters into the sky, was a sight that never failed to inspire awe.
Both Christopher and Alexander, seated side by side in the carriage, were visibly impressed, their expressions reflecting a mix of admiration and wonder at this architectural marvel. As they continued to approach, the carriage then came to a stop before they quickly disembarked, their urgency mirrored by the carriage driver who wasted no time to leave the area, a clear indication that discretion was paramount.
Upon exiting, Christopher had also immediately found his ordered caravan, a sight that brought a sense of relief and anticipation. Alongside it stood Elisen, Thildran, Frederick, and the contingent of 20 soldiers, a formidable group that was evidently prepared for the journey ahead. However, he quickly realized that its size and composition had begun to attract unwanted attention, as the gathering of such a diverse and well-armed entourage was not common. This was the last thing he wanted, causing him to accelerate his departure.
"Let's move out as quickly as possible."
His voice, low and urgent, prompted Alexander and their new member to join the others, who had also responded in kind and were preparing to depart. This sight caused the engineer to ponder about the journey's unknowns.
Was this group enough? Were they even going to reach their destination?
But despite the myriad of questions, his resolve remained unshaken. With careful planning, keen awareness and the diverse strengths of their group, he was confident that they could navigate whatever obstacles laid in their path. After all, the adventure that awaited them beyond the walls of Gruzia promised to be one of discovery, danger, and the relentless pursuit of his new dream.
And just before he joined the group, a thought came to his mind, one that'd signal the birth of a new legend.
"And so begins my reign…"
⁂
In the throne room of Emperor Marcus, a space where the grandeur of Gruzia's past met the unyielding present, tension coiled like a serpent ready to strike. While simmering about the earlier events, he sat upon his gothic throne, a monolithic structure of dark stone and brooding carvings, embodying the power and fear he commanded.
Before him knelt the Five Greats of Gruzia, warriors whose legends were as vast as the empire itself. Their auras, a visible testament to their strength, seemed to challenge the very air around them. These were not mere soldiers; they were legends, embodiments of the martial prowess that even Rudy Kask, the mercenary now famed for defeating Alexander, would envy. Yet, in the presence of Emperor Marcus, their heads were bowed, a gesture of fealty to the throne they protected.
The silence was suffocating and heavy with expectations until, without warning, shattering under the Emperor's explosive rage.
"Fuck!!! How dare he ridicule me?!"
His bellow echoed off the ancient stones like thunder, followed by his right fist smashing through his throne's arm, its stone far too weak to resist. But even as parts of it crumbled at their feet, the Greats kept kneeling, their expressions stoic yet alert.
After panting away his rage, Marcus' breathing stabilized as he leaned forward, his eyes now burning with a fire that could melt steel.
"Prepare yourselves, for a new enemy has risen…"