Chapter 11: The Cracks Beneath the Surface
Rakuga locked his gaze on the Grand Marshal Darius Taranius, measuring his worth with the gaze of a man who had seen countless battlefields.
The elven hero did not respond immediately. Instead, he took in the sights of Aradorn's royal port—the disciplined soldiers, the glinting airships, and the banners rippling in the salty breeze. Only then did he speak.
"You wear your title well, Grand Marshal."
"I trust that all the items your king promised to exchange for the training of these summoned heroes are being arranged as promised?"
Darius inclined his head. "Indeed."
The elven nation of Hav'Alo partnered with Aradorn seven years ago after a dire war against a fourth-order dimension eater commander variant.
In exchange for elven knowledge, Aradorn provides rare ingredients needed in alchemy, like Starroot Essence and Abyssal Lotus, crucial for an elven longevity potion.
This alliance ensures mutual survival and technological advancement.
It was the elves of Hav'Alo who shared the concept of hero summoning with Aradorn.
So they were among the best when it came to training heroes.
Rakuga narrowed his gaze. "And the heroes, have you properly informed them of the responsibility that has been placed on their shoulders? What it truly entails?"
"Indeed, they had a meeting with our king, and our magic tower master, Sir Eldrin, already told them their lives could be lost in this endeavor."
Rakuga clicked his tongue. "Another batch of fools who haven't seen the horrors of war. I hope they each possess good class ranks, for their sake. And their skills?"
"All exceptional, sir. Though I imagine their growth will accelerate under your guidance."
His golden eyes were unwavering. "All of them have talent. But they lack the wisdom that only true experience can grant."
Rakuga's lips curled slightly, though whether it was amusement or skepticism was unclear. "Wisdom is forged in fire, Grand Marshal. Not within the safe walls of a kingdom."
Darius's jaw tensed slightly. "Which is why their training will not be confined to the capital. The King has already issued orders. The heroes will be deployed in real battle scenarios soon. Your expertise will be invaluable in ensuring they are ready before that time comes."
Rakuga nodded. "I expected no less."
Darius motioned his hand toward the waiting black Etherunner, a four-wheeled rune-etched transport vehicle etched with purple durability enhancement runes. The sound of gears faintly whirring could be heard beneath its plated exterior.
Rakuga descended the airship ramp, his sharp eyes fixed on the vehicle.
"A fine machine. I see your nation continues to advance. It's nice to see the knowledge we shared put to good use."
Darius gave a slight nod. "The latest Etherunner model, equipped with both manual and autonomous arcane navigation. It runs on condensed mana cores and reinforced steam pressure, ensuring a smooth ride even on unstable terrain."
Rakuga stepped closer, running his gloved fingers along the elven-inspired engravings on the door. "Efficient, yet still rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Your kingdom values both progress and heritage."
Darius allowed himself a faint smirk. "Aradorn was built on both steel and magic. We do not forsake either." He motioned toward the door, and a man standing by opened it. "Shall we? There is much to discuss, but first, the King has requested your presence."
Rakuga rested a hand on the hilt of Ex'Avir. "Your king is as impatient as ever," he said as he entered, settling into the plush leather seat within.
Darius smirked slightly. "There are too many threats lurking in the shadows. He simply seeks your wisdom."
The engine of the vehicle soon started up, and the vehicle drove off.
... …
... ...
Throne room of the royal castle.
"Rakuga of Hav'Alo has arrived, Your Majesty."
The voice from behind the doors announced his arrival, and King Yimdier, seated on his ornate throne, nodded.
"Rakuga, you may enter."
The massive doors groaned as they swung open. Rakuga stepped in confidently, his boots echoing on the stone floor. He arrived before the throne, then bowed low, his armor gleaming faintly in the sunlight that spilled in from the windows.
"I pay my respects, Your Majesty."
King Yimdier smiled, his aged face lighting up with familiarity. "The pleasure is all mine, Rakuga."
Rakuga stood tall again, his eyes briefly scanning the throne room before meeting Yimdier's gaze. "You have aged well, my friend."
Yimdier chuckled, a deep, throaty sound. "You flatter me. But I must say, you look exactly the same as when I last saw you." He paused for a moment, his expression growing nostalgic. "That was on the eve of the great battle at the cliffs of Eryndor, was it not?"
Rakuga's lips curled slightly. "Impressive memory, Your Majesty. I recall humans being far more forgetful."
Yimdier's eyes glinted as he leaned forward in his throne, his fingers steepled together. "It was a day I witnessed something extraordinary. I couldn't forget it, even if I wanted to."
A moment of silence stretched between them as the king's gaze grew distant, as if revisiting a memory that had shaped him into the man he was now.
Yimdier sighed, then spoke again. "Has the Grand Marshal briefed you on the full scope of my kingdom's peril?"
Rakuga folded his arms. "Only in part."
Yimdier's gaze sharpened. "Then allow me to clarify. Aradorn stands on the precipice of war."
Darius stiffened slightly but said nothing.
"The disappearances near Greystone Woods," Yimdier continued. "The reports of nobles engaging in… unsanctioned magical experimentation. The increasing aggression from beast folk on our eastern borders." His fingers drummed against the throne's armrest.
"These are not isolated incidents."
Rakuga raised an eyebrow. "You believe they are connected?"
"I do," the king said. "I haven't gotten so old that I don't recognize a ploy when I see one. Someone is up to something, and I intend to uncover the truth before this kingdom becomes too unstable during another realm eater attack."
Rakuga narrowed his gaze, his voice steady but firm. "Old friend, the deal between our nations is to exchange knowledge and resources. My Queen does not wish for us to be involved in any conflict within your nation or any others with whom we are in partnership."
Yimdier sighed heavily, his brow furrowing with concern. "I know, Rakuga. I understand your Queen's wishes. But I fear that the time for neutrality is running out. I do not ask for your nation to be drawn into this chaos—only that you train our heroes, and train them quickly. The situation here is far worse than it appears. This nation, my kingdom, is on the brink. Soon, the chaos will spiral beyond my control."