The night before Alonso's meeting with the king, in the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Department, the elite androids that he and Astra had painstakingly crafted finally came online. Connected directly to his lab, Alonso felt the instant shift, as though a dormant pulse had suddenly sprung to life. He awoke from his sleep, a small smile forming on his lips as he murmured, "Finally."
These androids were not just creations; they were essential pieces in Alonso's vision for his nation's success, each designed with precision to fulfill specific roles that would secure his country's future. With a thought, Alonso summoned the system to display detailed information on each android's capabilities and assigned roles.
Ping!
Elite Androids activated.
Specialized functions as follows…
1. Nova: The Arbiter of Balance
Role: High Chancellor of Governance and Law
Responsibilities: As the Arbiter of Balance, Nova is responsible for overseeing justice and governance. She mediates disputes, enforces laws, and ensures fair treatment among New Vardosia's diverse citizens. Her intellect and unyielding commitment to order make her a natural fit for this role.
Contribution: Nova's efficient, logical mind and impartial nature allow her to make difficult decisions that keep peace among various races and factions. She is also trusted to implement laws that prevent any group from being marginalized, maintaining unity.
2. Gerald: The Shaper of Realms
Role: Grand Architect of Infrastructure and Expansion
Responsibilities: Gerald is charged with the development and expansion of New Vardosia's physical and architectural presence. He designs and builds all infrastructure, including housing, public structures, and defenses, with an eye toward innovation and resilience.
Contribution: His keen eye for structure and practical design, combined with his strength and efficiency, make Gerald essential to New Vardosia's growth. He is not only a builder but a visionary who balances functionality with beauty, embodying the city-state's ideals.
3. Nexon: The Keeper of Prosperity
Role: Master of Trade and Commerce
Responsibilities: Nexon manages trade, oversees market regulations, and develops New Vardosia's economy. He is responsible for creating trade partnerships, implementing tax policies, and ensuring a thriving marketplace.
Contribution: Known for his adaptability and strategic mind, Nexon is a shrewd negotiator who brings prosperity to New Vardosia through commerce. His skills in resource management and economic planning ensure a steady flow of wealth and goods, strengthening the city's economy and reputation.
4. Axle: The Shield of Vardosia
Role: Guardian Commander of Defense and Security
Responsibilities: Axle leads New Vardosia's defense forces, fortifying its borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens. He trains and coordinates the city's guard, prepares defenses, and maintains order during conflicts.
Contribution: Axle's loyalty, strength, and combat expertise make him an ideal protector. His presence is reassuring to citizens, as he enforces security with tactical precision and an unwavering sense of duty. He prepares the city to face any threat, internal or external.
5. Lyra: The Voice of New Vardosia
Role: Chief Envoy of Foreign Relations
Responsibilities: Lyra is the diplomat of New Vardosia, establishing alliances and representing the city in foreign affairs. She forges bonds with neighboring regions, negotiates peace, and ensures New Vardosia's influence and standing on the world stage.
Contribution: With her charm, empathy, and sophisticated communication skills, Lyra builds alliances and opens trade and cultural exchanges, benefiting New Vardosia. She acts as a bridge between New Vardosia and the world, cultivating a reputation that draws respect and admiration.
Alonso reviewed the information on each android, pausing on Axle's profile. "I just hope he and Wyrmguard don't clash. That proud dragon won't appreciate someone else with a similar role." With that thought, he teleported directly to the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Department.
As he appeared, he found Astra waiting alongside the five elite androids. The moment they saw him, the androids moved as one, dropping to one knee and bowing. In perfect unison, they declared, "We greet you, Master. We await your command."
Alonso gestured for them to stand. "Rise. I'm sure you're already aware of each other's functions, but it's good to introduce yourselves. Go ahead."
Before anyone else could speak, Lyra sprang forward with unrestrained enthusiasm. "Hiya! I'm L-iaison Y-ield R-elations A-mbassador but call me Lyra the Voice of New Vardosia! My job? Building alliances, spreading peace, and making sure nobody bullies us! And if they try, I'll make sure they're beaten to a bloody pulp!" She laughed, her voice a mix of charm and menace.
Lyra was tall and slender, with striking red metallic skin. She wore a sharp black suit and tie, exuding a professional look that contrasted with her playful energy.
As she talked, Nexon stepped up, rolling his eyes. He placed a hand on Lyra's head, gently but firmly pushing her aside. "Step aside, chatterbox. I'm next." He turned to Alonso with a smirk. "Name's N-egotiator E-conomic E-xchange O-perations N-etworker but call me Nexon Keeper of Prosperity. I'll make sure New Vardosia becomes the richest nation in the world." He laughed with a confidence that filled the room.
Nexon looked entirely human, with peach-toned skin, neatly trimmed beard, and piercing blue eyes. Dressed in a crisp shirt with rolled-up sleeves, tailored pants, and alligator shoes, he had a stylish, business-savvy appearance.
Lyra scowled, swatting at Nexon. "Hey, watch it, you old fart!"
Nexon chuckled, barely fazed. "Old? We're the same age, you know."
"Yeah, but you look like a grandpa!" Lyra shot back, laughing. Before long, the two were bickering, swatting and kicking at each other.
Alonso rubbed his temples, watching them in mild disbelief. "They're like children," he muttered. Astra sighed, stepping in between the two. "Alright, you two, enough. Time to act like the elite androids you are."
Next, Axle stepped forward, giving a small, respectful bow. He spoke in a calm, deep voice. "I am A-rmament X-enial L-ine E-nforcer but call me Axle the Shield of New Vardosia. With me, no one will dare threaten our land. You can count on my protection, Master."
Axle was imposing, tall, and powerfully built, his figure enhanced by futuristic red power armor. The armor plates glowed with intricate circuitry, giving him the appearance of a modern warrior encased in a mecha suit.
Nova came forward next, her demeanor serious and unyielding. She looked Alonso straight in the eye, her voice devoid of emotion. "I am N-eutrality O-rder V-igilance A-rbiter but please call me Nova, the Arbiter of Balance. I am tasked with maintaining peace and order within New Vardosia."
Nova wore a golden cloak that doubled as a cape, emblazoned with the symbol of Vardosia—a dove carrying a flaming sword. Her armor was a unique blend of silver, brown, and black, with the sleek appearance of powered armor. Though her expression was stoic, her aura exuded a quiet compassion that softened her otherwise stern presence.
Finally, Gerald stepped up, his demeanor full of pride. He gave Alonso a confident grin. "And I'm G-overnance E-ngineering R-ealm A-rchitect L-ogistics D-evelopment, call me Gerald okay! Shaper of Realms. Forget these four; none of them even comes close to my level! With me, New Vardosia will be nothing short of perfection."
Gerald's appearance was refined yet practical, his body outfitted with sleek lines and precision parts. His voice carried an air of authority, and he radiated a sense of meticulous purpose.
Astra looked at Alonso, raising an eyebrow. "So, what do you think?"
Alonso addressed the androids, his tone steady. "Remember, Astra is in charge here. You are to listen to her instructions. I'll be back tomorrow, after my meeting with the king, to give you further orders."
Turning to Astra, he added with a faint smile, "I'll leave them with you for now." Without another word, he teleported back to his private chambers, settling into bed. The day had been intense, and he felt no need to further handle the chaos of these new androids tonight.
The king arrived in Forest Hill City early in the morning, with all roads closed off to accommodate his grand entrance. Citizens crowded the streets, their excitement palpable as they lined up on the sidewalks to catch a glimpse of him. The royal golden carriage rolled through the cleared paths, escorted by city guards who ensured every road was free of any traffic.
As the king passed by, cheers filled the air—"Long live the king!" and "God bless the king!"—accompanied by waves and blown kisses. Those harboring any resentment kept their thoughts silent; voicing opposition in public would be unthinkable, even treasonous. The city was alive with admiration and awe for the royal procession.
Peeking out from his carriage, the king waved warmly, a gracious smile on his face as he acknowledged the crowd's enthusiasm. Once he arrived at the city lord's mansion, he was warmly received, and the two shared a grand lunch to mark the royal visit. As the afternoon wore on, around 3 p.m., the king felt it was time to embark on his hunt.
The city lord, eager to assist, offered to join him, but the king politely declined. When the city lord suggested sending guards along, the king refused once more, assuring him with confidence, "Marcel is more than enough for my protection."
Before setting off into the dense forest, the king sent a message to Abigail, confirming the location for their rendezvous. He used a messenger bird for the task, its swift flight ensuring Abigail would receive the details promptly. The moment the message reached her, Abigail contacted Alonso through the communication device he'd entrusted to her—a tool similar to the one he had also provided to Humphrey. With the details in place, they prepared for the king's hunt, each step marking the significance of the encounter to come.
In the northeastern part of the Great Forest, King Lionheart III and his trusted aide and bodyguard, Marcel, dismounted and began walking on foot, moving deeper into the woods. Marcel cast a cautious glance around, ever vigilant.
"Your Majesty," Marcel asked, his tone respectful, "do we begin the hunt before this… Oni arrives, or wait until he shows himself?"
The king chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, Marcel, don't be so eager. We wait for him, of course. Gives me a chance to see his skills firsthand!" He smirked, clearly entertained by the thought.
Marcel's mouth tightened, his expression slightly disapproving. "Letting a king wait. What poor taste," he muttered, shaking his head.
The king laughed, clapping a hand on Marcel's shoulder. "Now, now. Don't fret, Marcel. The forest is vast, and although I sent Alonso the location, I don't expect him to find us so easily. After all, it's not called the 'Great Forest' for nothing."
Just then, a figure appeared, emerging from the thick underbrush. Marcel tensed immediately, his hand flying to the hilt of his sword. He turned, voice sharp and commanding. "Oi! You there—halt!"
Alonso stepped out of the shadows, hands raised in a peaceful gesture, a confident smile on his face. "I take it you didn't invite me here just to attack me, did you?"
Marcel scrutinized Alonso, his eyes narrowing as he took in the horns and unusual appearance. "Hmm… Are you Alonso? You don't look like I expected. Prove you're not an imposter."
Alonso chuckled, lowering his hands slightly. "Well, I look different because I went through an evolution."
Marcel opened his mouth to respond, but the king raised a hand to silence him. "Enough, Marcel," the king said, his tone easygoing. "No need to be so stiff."
"But, Your Majesty," Marcel protested, his brows knitting in frustration.
The king gave him a pointed look. "This information came from Abigail. Have you forgotten? There's no one I trust more than her."
At the mention of Abigail, Marcel's stance softened, his grip on his sword relaxing. Alonso noticed the subtle shift and took note—Abigail's influence was clearly greater than he had anticipated.
The king extended a hand toward Alonso, his expression warm and welcoming. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Alonso. I've heard much about you. I am King Lionheart III, and on behalf of the Vita Kingdom, I wish to thank you for your service to our citizens. Under normal circumstances, I'd reward you, but…"
Alonso nodded, cutting in with a knowing smile. "I understand completely. No need to worry about it."
The king laughed heartily. "I like your style, Alonso! Now, shall we begin?"
Alonso returned the smile. "What's the target today?"
The king's eyes gleamed with excitement. "The Troll King an A rank monster."
Alonso's gaze swept over the king, his eyes discreetly scanning him. Noticing the scrutiny, the king chuckled. "Ah, I see that look. You're wondering if I'm really up for this hunt, aren't you?"
Alonso straightened, slightly embarrassed. "Not at all, Your Majesty."
The king laughed again, hearty and unbothered. "Don't worry, lad. I'm no magician, nor do I possess a job. But I am the ruler of the second-largest kingdom on this continent." Reaching for a pendant hanging around his neck, he held it up. It began to glow with a brilliant white light, and in a flash, his clothing transformed into gleaming armor.
King Lionheart, a middle-aged man with blonde hair and a well-groomed goatee, stood proudly in his legendary armor—crafted from Stardust Steel, its silver surface engraved with swirling green patterns that pulsed with energy. Draped over his shoulders was a crimson cape, bearing the sigil of House Lionheart. He looked every bit the warrior king.
Alonso was taken aback by the king's sudden transformation. "Wow…" he murmured, his curious nature taking over as he began circling the king, inspecting the armor with fascination. "What is this called?" he asked, reaching out to poke at the armor's surface. "How does it function?" His hand moved along the intricate designs, tracing the green patterns with interest.
The king raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Alonso's sudden shift in demeanor. "Quite the curious one, aren't you?" he chuckled, watching Alonso's unabashed inspection.
Standing nearby, Marcel cleared his throat loudly, a pointed reminder that etiquette was expected in the presence of royalty. "Ahem."
Alonso glanced over, catching Marcel's stern look, and straightened up with a slight, apologetic grin. "My apologies, Your Majesty. Sometimes my curiosity gets the best of me."
The king smiled warmly, watching Alonso with a hint of satisfaction. "It's good to see this side of you, Alonso. For a moment, it makes me think you're just like any other young man."
The three men marched forward, Marcel leading as they followed the signs and tracks of the Troll King. Marcel paused, crouching by a large footprint embedded in the earth, examining it closely. A nearby tree bore a mark, and he moved over to inspect it. "This way, Your Majesty," he said, beckoning the king.
As they continued, the king glanced at Alonso. "Now, about that land... I'm willing to grant it to you, but I must ask—why do you want it? From what I understand, you've turned it into something of a winter wasteland. Not a crop could grow there."
Alonso met the king's gaze with his usual calm. "Your Majesty, I'd explain fully if I could, but suffice it to say my abilities require a colder climate. It helps me... cultivate." The king and Marcel scrutinized him, trying to gauge his honesty. Alonso's expression remained neutral, revealing nothing. The icy sheen on his horns and the frost spreading across his skin helped sell his story.
The king nodded thoughtfully. "I see… so, you're a special kind of Oni, aren't you?"
Marcel chimed in, intrigued. "Hmm… Oni are a mysterious race. I'd never imagined elemental Oni existed."
Alonso chuckled, feigning ignorance. "I don't know much about my heritage, either. But the cold—it's always been part of me."
The king pressed further. "So, Alonso, tell me—where do you come from? What brings you to this continent?"
Alonso hesitated, his expression shifting. "Well, that's… something I can't share."
The king's gaze hardened, turning intense. "And why is that?"
Adopting a casual air, Alonso replied, "Because even if I told you, it wouldn't matter. You wouldn't know."
The king arched a brow. "What do you mean?"
"One day, I was out fishing. The next… I woke up in this forest." He shrugged, as if recalling something trivial.
The king's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ah! You were dispiaced.That must mean you're from the Unknown Region!"
It was known that only 40% of the world was mapped—the four known continents. The rest, a vast, unexplored expanse, was called the Unknown Regions.
Marcel, still scanning for signs of the Troll King, commented, "If you were displaced, then … you were chosen to be a champion by a god."
Alonso nodded, a cunning smile playing on his lips. "Fell for it," he mused to himself. "You could say that. Though I'm surprised you didn't look deeper into who I am before arranging this meeting. Surely Cheng must've shared a thing or two?"
The king chuckled slyly. "Oh, we did our research, Alonso. But we had to see for ourselves, didn't we?"
Alonso shrugged. "If you need to hear it from me… fine. Yes, I met Libra, and she gave me a task. But forgive me, Your Majesty, even for you, I can't disclose its details."
The king waved his hand dismissively. "No, no, I understand. Libra's a god, after all; her word carries more weight than mine in these matters." He paused, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "I remember reading that in Cheng's report, though… Still hard to believe you met Libra in person. Quite peculiar."
Marcel's eyes widened. "So… Libra herself blessed you?"
"Yes," Alonso replied. "But it's… not an ordinary blessing."
"Not ordinary?" Marcel's curiosity was piqued. "How so?"
"Most blessings summon a silhouette of the god when activated, right? Mine doesn't. It's not a physical skill… it's more like a library."
The king looked puzzled. "A library?"
Alonso nodded. "Yes. It's a blessing of knowledge—a guide to find hidden treasures."
The king's eyes gleamed. "Remarkable!"
Before he could say more, Alonso raised a hand. "But don't get too excited. These treasures only respond to me. Anyone else who tries will find them… inaccessible."
The king and Marcel exchanged skeptical glances. "Convenient, isn't it?" the king remarked, clearly unconvinced.
Alonso, prepared for their doubt, drew out a small metal sphere full of nanobots inside. "If you need proof… watch closely."
Alonso channeled his aether into the sphere, causing it to morph—first into a sword, then a spear, a gun, then armor, before finally reverting to its original form. Handing the sphere to Marcel, he offered a slight smile.
"This is a polymorph weapon. I'm sure you know what that means, Marcel." The king and Marcel both nodded, intrigued.
"Well then, what are you waiting for? Inject your mana and make it transform," Alonso challenged, a spark of mischief in his eyes.
Marcel tried, focusing intently as he directed his mana into the sphere. But nothing happened. Frowning, he tried again, this time exerting all his strength—still, no response. Reluctantly, he handed it over to the king, who attempted the same, only to face the same frustrating results.
Alonso took back the sphere with a smirk. "You see, these artifacts are scattered across the continent and my blessing leads me to them, yet only I can wield them. Even if you stumble upon one, it's worthless without me."
He cast a calm, confident glance at the two men. "You're just babes—come back in another