It was Arien's last day before returning to his own base, and Cara didn't want him to spend it alone. However, she also needed to visit the library to learn more about her sponsor. After some thought, Cara decided to compromise by bringing Arien along, so he could also benefit from learning about his sponsor. What could go wrong?

As they entered the library, Arien turned to Cara and asked, "So why do you want to learn about your sponsor?"

"Our powers come from them," Cara explained, "So by learning about their history and deeds, we can better understand our own abilities."

"Wow, that's really cool!" Arien exclaimed. "I'm going to learn more about Papa Z!"

The two went their separate ways within the library looking for books about their sponsors. Cara found hers quickly, The Epic Of Gilgamesh. Cara delved into The Epic of Gilgamesh and read about the legendary king of Uruk and his epic adventures. She learned about his quest for immortality, his friendship with Enkidu, and his eventual realization that he could not cheat death. As she read, she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Gilgamesh's bravery and determination.

After about thirty minutes, Arien came running to Cara, tears streaming down his face. He showed her the book he was holding, and Cara saw that it was about Zeus, Arien's sponsor. Arien was distraught as he learned about the many misdeeds that Zeus had committed, such as cheating on his wife Hera and fathering countless children with mortals.

Cara put a comforting arm around Arien's shoulder and said, "I know it's hard to learn that someone you look up to isn't perfect. But remember, sponsors are just like us, they make mistakes and have flaws. What's important is what we do with the power they've given us."

Arien sniffled and nodded, wiping away his tears. "Yeah, you're right, Cara. I'll try to be better than Papa Z."

Cara smiled at him and placed her book in a bag on her side. The two returned to the base. Before Arien teleported back to his faction's base, Cara had to ask him for a favor.

“Arien, we never made the decision on what we get out of our alliance,” Cara said, “All I want is the best blacksmith you have without a sponsor,”

“I can do that,” He said, “But why specifically without a sponsor? I don’t get it,”

“I’m going to mold him into the best blacksmith in the world, so I need him without a sponsor to begin with,”

He nods, and a bolt of lightning strikes him. Cara smiled as he faded into sparks. It would take a few days for Arien to send over the best blacksmith in his faction, she would have to be prepared when the blacksmith arrived.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

***

Arien's face lit up with a smile as he summoned Geo into his grand throne room. The towering man respectfully bowed before him, his voice filled with loyalty. "What is it that you need, sir?"

Arien leaned back on his imposing throne, swinging his legs playfully. "How have things been in my absence?"

"Things have been progressing smoothly, sir. Were there any complications during your journey?"

Arien's smile faded for a moment as he mentioned the loss. "Unfortunately, Tilly didn't make it. But on a brighter note, we gained a valuable new ally!"

"Excellent news, my king," Geo replied, a glimmer of pride in his eyes.

"Now, I have a task for you," Arien said, his legs coming to a halt. "I want you to arrange for Alan Turing and Lotus Makko to join our newfound allies. They will be switching factions."

"Consider it done, my king," Geo acknowledged, prepared to fulfill his ruler's command. "Is there anything else you require?"

"Nope!" Arien answered with a satisfied grin, confident in Geo's abilities.

Upon learning of their mission, Lotus and Alan wasted no time in seeking an audience with the King before their departure. Alan strode with unwavering confidence, his posture exuding an air of self-assurance. Some people claim him to be overly confident, but he disagrees because hubris is a flaw and he has none. His brown hair was naturally spiked upwards. He had no sponsor likely because the sponsors were off put by the absolute awesomeness that he exudes. Or maybe they found his arrogance annoying, really can’t say.

Lotus, in stark contrast, emanated a quiet and unnerving calmness. She never boasted of her abilities, yet never displayed an ounce of self-doubt. Her long red hair cascaded down her back, seemingly defying the laws of nature with its unusual growth rate. Slung across her back was a sword crafted by Alan himself, a weapon she treasured deeply, not solely because of its maker (although he would argue otherwise), but because it had breathed new purpose into her life. It was after receiving this sword that she had been granted a sponsor—Enkidu.

As they stepped into the grand throne room, both Lotus and Alan humbly bowed before Arien. Arien greeted them warmly, urging them to relax, as he would no longer be their king. Alan, ever curious, spoke up first.

"So, why exactly are we switching factions?" he inquired.

Arien's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he explained, "We've forged an alliance with New Uruk, and one of their esteemed leaders specifically requested the finest blacksmith we have. That's why I've chosen you, Alan, and I thought it would be great to have Lotus accompany you as an additional asset."

Curiosity piqued, Lotus composedly interjected, "Is there any specific information we should know about this leader?"

“Well we forged an alliance with New Uruk, and one of their leaders requested the best blacksmith we have,” Arien explained enthusiastically, “So I brought Alan, and I grabbed Lotus to give as an extra,”

A small, almost imperceptible smile graced Lotus's lips—a rare sight indeed. "Strong you say," she mused softly. "I look forward to meeting her."

Alan, unsure whether Lotus was being sarcastic or not, simply shrugged. Arien swiftly concluded their conversation, sending them off to join the New Uruk faction on their mission.