"Information?" Chrises asked curiously.

"Yes. Information," Liam replied simply. "I need a clear understanding of how this world works. Power hierarchy, race dynamics, politics, anything relevant."

Chrises nodded slowly, her gaze dropping to the table for a moment, as muttered, "That's… quite a broad request."

"Then start broad," Liam said. "Tell me everything you know."

She hesitated briefly, then sighed. "Alright. You're not from here, that much is obvious. So let's start from the top."

She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table. "The continent we're on is called Veloria. The western side of it, where Astrin is located, falls under the control of the Velaran Empire. Every human kingdoms, all pay allegiance to the Emperor in Velaris."

Liam's expression stayed neutral, but he listened closely.

Chrises continued, "Astrin is one of the smaller kingdoms, but politically, it's just a vassal. The real power rests with the Empire's capital."

"Velaris?" Liam asked.

She nodded. "Yes. The Imperial City of Velaris. That's the heart of human civilization."

"Go on," Liam nodded.

Chrises went on, "The western part of Veloria isn't just human territory. It's dominated by the Emerald Veil Forest, home to the Elves... and the Beastkin. The Elves still maintain a council city deep in the forest. The Beastkin… well, most of them have been reduced to slaves or wanderers."

"I noticed," Liam said.

"The dwarves occupies the Ironspine Range, a mountain chain that cuts across the south and west. They trade with everyone but trust no one."

"And the north?" Liam asked.

"The north belongs to the barbarians. The Imperial army has tried to conquer them several times, but the tribes live in lands of eternal winter. The terrain itself kills more soldiers than their blades."

Liam nodded slowly, absorbing every detail. Her explanation was painting a map in his mind, one he could already see forming into potential routes, divisions, and systems.

"So the humans dominate the world," he said.

Chrises gave a bitter chuckle. "On the surface, yes. They have the empire, the money, the armies."

"Interesting," Liam murmured.

He leaned forward slightly. "What about the sea? Any aquatic civilizations?"

Chrises blinked, slightly caught off guard by the question. "The sea?"

"Yes," Liam said calmly.

"There is," she said after a pause. "But it's different. The sea is ruled by the Merfolk. They control the western ocean, though few ever see them. The Sirens also dwell there, though they're more… predatory."

Liam's eyes gleamed with interest. "So the sea's untamed..."

"You could say that," Chrises replied. "The Empire stays away from it. Even the mages can't fully understand the ocean's mana currents."

"Fascinating," Liam murmured, his mind already turning.

"Tell me about the capital," Liam said.

Her tone shifted, reverent but cautious. "Velaris is… everything. It's where the Emperor resides, along with the royal court and the High Council. But that's just the political side. The city itself is a beacon of power. The two greatest mage towers in all the empire are there. Together, they're the backbone of the Empire's magical supremacy."

She paused, then continued. "It's also home to the Royal Academy. Every talented noble, mage, scholar, and knight passes through its halls. The empire's best alchemists, rune-smiths, and arch-mages — they all come from there."

"Then I'll fit right in," Liam chuckled quietly.

Chrises arched an eyebrow. "You plan to go there?"

"In time," Liam said. "For now, I need to understand the lay of the land. How far is Velaris from Astrin?"

"About a week's ride," she answered. "If you travel light and avoid the trade routes, maybe five days."

Liam nodded thoughtfully. "That's manageable."

He reached casually into the Dimensional Space, took out 1,000 gold coins and dropped it on the table.

Chrises's eyes widened. "That's—"

"1,000 gold coins," Liam said calmly. "Use it to get yourself back into shape. And when you reach Velaris, buy a store — something in the upscale district. Use it as a front. I'll send you instructions later."

Chrises stared at the gold as if it were a trap. "That's… too much. You could buy land with this."

"Then buy land," Liam said evenly. "You'll need a base. You're going to be my eyes and ears in the Empire."

She opened her mouth, then closed it again. For a long moment, she just looked at him and at the calm certainty in his expression.

"You trust me that much?" she asked softly.

"I don't," Liam said with a faint smile. "But I trust my judgment."

Chrises exhaled, half a laugh, half disbelief, before sighing and finally reaching out to pull the gold coins toward her.

"Alright. I'll do it."

"Good," Liam said, standing. "Get some rest. You have a long week ahead."

He turned toward the window, his gaze flicking toward the dark horizon beyond. "I'll be gone for six to seven days. When I return, I expect progress."

Chrises frowned. "Gone? Where—"

But before she could finish, Liam vanished and silence filled the room.

Chrises blinked once, twice, then slowly lowered the pouch of gold. "...What in the gods' names was that?"

She stared at the empty space where he had been standing a second ago. Her heart thudded hard once before settling.

A soft sigh escaped her lips. "My life just got insane."

She gathered the coins, securing them in a hidden pocket beneath her cloak, then turned toward the black duffel bag Liam had given her earlier.

Curiosity got the better of her. She unzipped it carefully — the strange metal teeth sliding apart with a sound she'd never heard before. Inside were folded clothes unlike anything she'd seen.

There was also a dark cloak, boots, and undergarments made of a material she couldn't name.

She touched the fabric with her fingertips. "What kind of man are you, Liam Scott?" she whispered.

The question lingered in the air as she sat by the table, lost in thought until sleep finally pulled her under.

***

Dubai, Burj Khalifa.

Liam reappeared inside his penthouse suite, the warm glow of city lights flooding through the massive windows.

The day had been long, even by his standards. But he was satisfied. Chrises would serve her purpose, and the foundation for his new network was finally in motion.

He walked toward the bathroom, the polished marble reflecting his figure as he stepped inside. The sound of running water filled the air as he turned on the shower.

When he stepped out minutes later, he dried himself and changed into a light sleeping outfit. The skyline stretched endlessly before him, the desert beyond glowing faintly under the moon.

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