The deal is sealed.

Our mission in the Central Plains is complete.

Honestly, I expected it to take longer, but here we are. Well… if I'm to be honest, it did take a long time, but that's mostly due to the time we spent traveling.

I suppose it is true what they say:

'To spend more time sharpening the axe before cutting the tree is better than to spend more time cutting a tree than sharpening the axe.' I smile to myself as I lie on my bed, staring at the ceiling.

If we didn't spend so long on the journey, we wouldn't have made so much progress in terms of negotiations.

'The three Special Resource Points we discovered in No Man's Land, alongside the Magivores I obtained along the journey have been really helpful.' My grin becomes broader as I imagine just how stunned the Emperor will be once he learns of my exploits.

Naturally, I don't particularly care about his opinion. But he is still my boss, and I require him to complete this Trial Scenario.

Speaking of completion…

'The Alliance of the Five Great Nations will be complete once the Southern Kingdom is roped in. The Central Plains people and the other representatives will handle that. I also plan to leave the First Prince here to represent us while I report back to the Emperor regarding the details of the alliance.'

Tyrrion and Enrydral will be coming with me, since they're the most important in this Trial Scenario.

I can't let them out of my sight.

Ah, speaking of Tyrrion… He has finally made a safe recovery.

That's a relief.

We've already spent about a week here, so I would have been surprised if that weren't the case.

Now, you might be wondering why I'm not joining the discussion with the Southern Kingdom. As I established before, I have to report to the Emperor.

But that isn't the sole reason behind my return.

'We need proof of concept.'

I sigh.

Although we have managed to convince everyone that the Northern Empire is still standing strong in No Man's Land, we need to provide irrefutable proof of the Special Resources that we can offer.

Thus, after reporting to the Emperor on the important matters, I will have to harvest Special Resources from the Resource Points and even Magivores before returning to the Central Plains to show them a token of what they will receive upon cooperation.

'Although they will be given exclusive access to their respective Resource Points after the war, as promised, these gifts will serve as a reminder of the rewards awaiting them.'

As someone who was deeply involved in politics in my past life, I can clearly say that humans are largely the same.

Most people are after what benefits them.

Bad leaders seek their personal interests while good ones seek the interests of their followers.

In the end, it all boils down to gain.

'That's why a prompt return is important. The First Prince ought to be left behind, especially since he is needed to sign the treaty on behalf of our Northern Empire.'

With how much I've ensured to flex my power, I doubt these people will do anything to him.

However, in the unlikely situation that they attack him, I won't be too bothered. I don't think it'll be enough to constitute a failure.

'Tyrrion and Enrydral will be returning to No Man's Land with me tomorrow. I better sleep properly since we have a long journey ahead of us.'

With that thought ringing in my mind, I finally fall asleep.

*********

The journey takes a little longer than expected—almost three weeks. But it couldn't be helped since I had to return the Magivores with me to their natural habitat.

I only brought them along to show off to the Central Plains leaders.

Now that they have served their use, I see no point in keeping them with me. I can always hunt them down again if I require their core parts, but it's not like I know what to use them for.

Most of these Magivores are creatures I have no idea of. How could I possibly turn them into ingredients for a Potion?

I also can't take them with me to No Man's Land, and letting them roam unchecked would only bring about catastrophe.

Thus, taking them back to their homes is the most ideal option.

After returning all of them home, we finally made it to the Central Plains shore.

Our vessel remains where I kept it, and upon careful inspection I confirm that it hasn't been tampered with.

"Whew!"

I guide both Enrydral and Tyrrion to the modest but firm sea vessel, prepared to set sail to the Northern Continent which is actually in sight.

I reckon it'll take about three hours without any interference from a storm.

Even with a storm, it'll still be less than a day.

We finally set sail, and our sea adventure begins. Much to my relief, it is a boring experience, with calm waves and gentle tides.

To pass time, I speak with Enrydral and we speak about many matters.

I am able to learn many things about him that the history books never told me. I have no way of telling how accurate this information is, since this world is a little messed up, but it's still interesting.

For example, did you know Enrydral doesn't like to drink, or even sleep around with women. However, there is a special euphoric grass that he likes to burn as a relaxing incense.

He tells me that it helps to calm his nerves.

"I'll show you sometime later."

I smile and nod.

I might no longer be around by then, but I have no issues with that promise.

While we discuss, I cast a glance at Tyrrion, finding him being a loner again. The dwarf, slightly deformed in appearance, appears stoic as he stares absentmindedly at the sea.

For a moment, I catch a glimpse of humanity in him. I even feel bad for not involving him in our conversations, but this is a choice I felt was most optimal.

After all, Tyrrion would likely bring down the mood. He's simply that kind of person.

Old and grumpy.

'It's why I have gotten closer to Enrydral during this period and I have barely said ten sentences to that man.'

After two hours and forty-nine minutes, we finally reach the Northern Continent's coast.

That's faster than I actually estimated.

This is surely a good day.

As we step down from the vessel, I inhale the fresh air, feeling the mix of the salty sea breeze and the hot wilderness winds.

It gives me a slightly tangy odor, a surprising flavor that throws me off for a moment.

My brows furrow for a moment.

Then, my eyes shift.

I notice the silence that pervades us, my gaze resting on the darkness beyond us.

'Something isn't right.'

Enrydral approaches me with a furrowed brow and asks why I suddenly froze in place.

"Anything the matter?" He asks.

I nod slowly, drawing him closer to Tyrrion as we cautiously retreat.

The sea is only a few meters away, and our vessel is right in front of it. If we proceed with caution, we can escape whatever danger it is that I am sensing is beyond the shore.

'I might be overreacting, but… It's too quiet.'

That's not all.

The tangy smell from earlier.

There's no doubt about it; it is blood!

"Looks like we've been discovered…" A loud, deep voice suddenly echoes into the air.

In that instant, all kinds of people emerge from jagged rocks and the cliffs that litter the coast.

Some even rise from the sea behind us, completely surrounding the three of us and preventing an escape through our vessel.

Finally, at the peak of a cliff, a man shows himself. Tall, ebony complexion, shabby hair, and the countenance of a hardened warrior.

Just from one glance, I can tell how dangerous he is.

Just who is this man?

Right as I have this thought, I hear whimpers from right next to me. Not from Enrydral, who still manages to stay composed, but from his Master, the Visionary.

"T-that is—?!" Tyrrion mumbles, his eyes bulging to their limits.

"—Kalakuta!"

'W-what?!'

My eyes widen as I look at the man yet again, feeling an unbelievable level of pressure press all over me.

Kalakuta and his Freedom Fighters…

'What are they doing here?!'

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