They then followed him, making their way to the king's throne room, through the same red carpet down to the big, royal purple doors. He then closed the doors behind them and they saw him. The king wasted no time and quickly greeted the two.
"Well-well, so we finally meet young man! And you too little goddess! It is indeed an utmost pleasure to have you both here!", the king smiled.
"Yeah, everyone knows about the goddess part now, huh?", Lass sighed.
"News travel fast with national media. But I was also told first-hand by our lovely Paladin, you see. But you know, with such a presence, this secret won’t be sticking with you for long on a global scale either."
"Excuse me your highness, but why did you accept me and the goddess in your house just like that?"
"Well, for starters, the reward you've earned at the tournament! Wouldn't want all that hard work to go to waste now, would we? Especially with how I witnessed your actions taking place amidst our last few crises. But the main reason I accepted you would be, again, our Paladin's doing. She and I have been planning something for a long time, and come recently, she vouched almost thrice that I request your audience. Judging from experience, since I of course also know Gado Golver at a most personal level, I would say you are a 'to the point' type, right young man? And this lady is also looking like a good listener. So here's the point. A proposal."
"What type of proposal your highness?", Ikarisa curiously asked.
"Well...as Heista, or Magi I should say, told you, we are living in dire times. The gods have forsaken this land in the worst way possible. That's why I believe that it is time for unison. We need the entire Riza to come together and face the greatest threat we've ever come across now. Strictly and statistically speaking, from all expert's points of view, the conflict that will soon arise will surely lead to global eradication, with scenarios worst than that of the Great War."
"So Magi also told you her origins too. I am not liking where this is going either. Nevertheless, it's the harsh truth. I've watched first-hand how the borders of Insinia to Victoria have gone, having my house so close there, and from some soldiers that passed by for armaments, the situation on every front after that, surging from Sandaco in the middle, is god awful.", Lass said.
"That's why I would like to offer you a 'job'. Treat it more like an official task. I know that you have to chase down the sentinels across Riza like Magi said, but if you could also act as some sort of ambassador to the other countries as well, I'd be extremely thankful."
Lass almost laughed at the king's words, thinking of it as a mere joke before he looked into his eyes to realize that he was being serious, "Excuse me your highness but, why us and not you?", Lass asked, "No diplomas, no connections, nothing. Hell, talking isn't our strong point either. You realize that 'can' doesn't mean 'must' do, right? We're the least bit qualified for such a massive task."
"I'm afraid my word is not going have as much meaning as the word of the Champion and the Goddess herself. Besides that, there are many different creatures of all cultures and traditions scattered across Riza, which in some, I might not react accordingly, or be treated accordingly. In addition, I'm already too busy with the preparation of our army for the possible war scenario, against the gods or others. In addition to your title, with how much of a brave soul you've been recognized, you are also detached from all official sources and government positions, which makes you a great third party. The only thing you need is a neutral presentation and suggestion of our plans to other leaders, and the word of the last monarch of the world to give you access to other important government buildings in other countries borders. Granted, we have already started the process with other countries with our ambassadors, so only the big ones like Victoria, Sandaco and Kolumbia, which we have a very recent history with, remain as the last few really key players that need convincing. We would try our ambassadors, but because of the Trifecta Pact, we have shared our research on the subject and have caused them to also go on a nationwide preparation spree, especially in Victoria, because of their vast agricultural lands outside of Gardard. With everything going on, and the size of their countries compared to the smaller ones we already recruited, preparing an official hearing is the last thing they wish for. Hence why this will be a more unofficial, one-to-one conversation with the 'person in charge' of every capital city and country."
"This sounds way too...bad of a plan. I'm sorry your highness. We'll have to decline.", Lass said with a distrustful look, "Think of this again, we are just that. A recent, god knows celebrity that people will forget come next year and a goddess prone to being hated for 'abandoning' everything. Plus, this is clearly not the full extent of what's going on."
"Lass!", Ikarisa reacted.
"Ease on Risa. I won't accept any task so long as I don't know absolutely everything about it."
"Looks and acts naïve, but really there's more to it isn't there?", Thaddeus chuckled, "Very well, I'll share more info with you than the surface level, given the despair. Keep in mind that aside from everything I tell you today, this section especially is classified, prohibited and carries almost capital punishment if released anywhere, in fear of public hysteria. I can't believe I'm backed into such a corner to say this...", he pontered for a minute or two, weighing his options, "The powers you carry and the vouching of a Sentinel...they must be worthy. Our hope lies in the youth's hands...how romantic.", he whispered, before talking out loud again, "I suppose one of you remembers the Great War and the other just knows about it?"
"I do. Lass and I...we both do.", Ikarisa replied with a sorrowful look at Lass.
"But what you might not know is the political side of things. In order for every then kingdom, now turned country, to start a crossfire with each other, we had to rely on energy ores. Or as it's more formally known as Obsulyte ores.
"Isn't that how it commonly goes? Everything is fueled by Obsulyte anyways. Better than nuclear.", Lass said.
"Correct. But there is a catch to it. Obsulyte is capable of recovering its core strength over a decent amount of time. But that happens due to the duplication and multiplication of Obsulyte-based energy atoms within the ores themselves. Meaning that if all of the Obsulyte is consumed from a certain ore deposit...”
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"The ore itself becomes nothing more than a common rock. But how?", Ikarisa wondered.
"The sheer amount of firepower of the Great War's weapon took a major toll on said ores. Many of them were completely depleted and made useless. That is the reason the Great War came to such a forceful and sudden end. The lack of fuel for the dawn of new weapons, requiring high energy for lasers, EMP and explosives, was the only reason for it. Additionally, because of the circumstances at hand, many of the countries and especially small nations and cities that were lucky to not be erased off the map were also forced to write peace treaties that pushed them into economical disaster."
"It's been a good few years since then. Shouldn't issues about that show, if things are that bad?", Lass asked.
"In the economy's time, a few years is nothing for this specific subject. Ever heard of the phrase 'Hard to build, easy to destroy'? Recovery was made near impossible. And the really bad part about all these still rounds back to Obsulyte. As you said, everything runs on it. While in a neutral state, all countries and cities had their deposits, which worked in perfect harmony with all their needs. But ever since the war and the deposit's complete depletion without giving them a chance to regenerate, they all held on by several smaller deposits which in turn helped provide a burst of power, before they too, were depleted."
"Oh no...so that means we're about to re-enter such a state again?", Ikarisa said.
"Unfortunately, that's precisely where I'm heading at. Experts have been monitoring such subjects for years, only releasing fractions of information at a time, from a global order of the United Trifecta Nations. Instead of fully focusing on the army like other countries have, however, we came up with two magnificent plans. Obsulyte transfer inside all deposits for their restoration and additionally, a global power plan to help us manipulate the power of existing deposits between everyone, with even distribution. That included smaller countries, who out of fear formed their alliance under the National Armament Obsulyte and Forces Union because they thought that war was again, unavoidable. And we have since reached a bigger divide."
"Sounds all too nice to be easy to succeed.", Lass scoffed.
"Unfortunately, again, that is also the deal. Economic disaster and distortion have caused a general distrust among everyone. Not so much the citizens, but the higher-ups. And all countries under the N.A.O.F.U., including us three in the U.T.N. are preparing for another global conflict in a desperate attempt to maintain all they have left. That's why I chose you two. You are not only considered a third party to ensure fairness, but you also have the title of the creator of this word with you, Goddess of Life, Ikarisa. This all but makes you severely more suitable than a common Reingard ambassador. You can see now, why I am so desperate. We all are. In addition to all that, after it's done, I am hoping to reach a dream of a dear friend. Frederick, a king from a then well-established city-kingdom, who, through gaining independence of Victoria and running his city as a sovereign state with the world's most renowned army, hope to ensure a world free, equal and without stigma or divide. With a force of hands or words...so that history would stop playing itself on repeat, because of some selfish leaders ego and conquest for non-existing greatness. I have been a king for many years, but before I took the title, and voted on it by the last vote of the people for the monarchy, I was another one of those people. My friend's dream roots deep within me, and I will do whatever I can in this position of power to make sure that the dream that was his, now realized in its greatness and adopted by me, will be forth filled.", Thaddeus spoke with humility in his words.
"Now that I know, I'll gladly help.", Lass nodded, acknowledging the last king's dream's beauty.
"Why did you wait for my confirmation on such information, if I may ask? Rather...why did you sit through a monologue of a soon-to-be-lost monarch?", Thaddeus asked Lass.
"Because of Risa. I know what's going on in the world, and I also know how everyone is feeling about it all, especially the Church right now. Since you primarily brought up Risa before this, such a job would obviously require even more exposure to Risa and her title. Which in turn may only bring harm to her."
"I'm not weak.", Ikarisa said with a cute and angry face.
"I never said that. But I'm not about to roll my eyes when you get yourself into dangerous situations like this-", Lass's angry reply was cut by Thaddeus.
"Please. It's more than understandable. And I more than respect and accept your knightly principles and behaviour towards the little goddess. However, the choice is yours. And before you say anything, no, I of course had a backup plan to send our representatives or ambassadors to other kingdoms, but of course, given the war-ready status and high alert everyone is at, it would have a much lesser effect, maybe even not any at all. Really, this information wouldn't be presented to you, had we not let it drag on and run out of time. Your part in this can not only help save the world from another volatile war but also economically restore and recover all countries suffering the most."
"Fine...I said we will do it.", Lass sighed, "It's not that the upcoming of the goddess could be stopped. Risa already used her power during the monster raid and is planning to face Makaro and Kikaro so...at one point the secret would be out on a global scale anyway. Before that happens, we need to figure out a way to mitigate its impact on our lives."
"Alright. We can help while looking for the other Sentinels and my brothers. But where should we begin?", Ikarisa took a curious look at the throne room's map, laid before the king on the gathering table.
"If I may suggest something, I believe that Delpha the City Of Neon. We have recently established an alliance for the Great Assault, but here and in 3 months, they've been inactive as far as responses and calls for help we've made to them. I'd love it if you could head there and re-establish the alliance. In addition, Gardard is fairly close to Delpha if you take the highway leading to Victoria's borders from there, and I've heard words and rumours about some of the Sentinels being in Delpha itself, coming from Magi. So, for your initial target, I think this will protect the interest of both parties."
"Wait...Great Assault?", Lass wondered.
"The reason why I know of the gods and their doing is that we accepted the audience of Delpha officials, while other countries declined. They have not only found out about their plans, closely studying recent activities to their core and informing those who'd listen but also, they have managed to secure certain Sentinel and God Army positions. They were the ones who found all this out and suggested an alliance for the Great Assault against the gods themselves, contacting the N.T.U. countries first, in hopes of getting the message out. The plan does require the work of all countries at once, which not only saves the world from certain destruction but also strengthens the relationships between said countries. Really everyone wins. However, unlike the economic plan we devised, Delpha's plan is radical, improbable, and the only one that can work. We're talking about that massive of a task. That's why I suggested the job to you in the first place. I knew about your plans given the situation at hand, hence why after learning what I could from Magi, I tried my best to get into contact with you both."
"That's a perfect start. Thank you, your highness. Me and Lass will be off to prepare for the journey that follows, probably left by morning!", Ikarisa said in excitement, her eyes sparkling.
"Safe travels my friends. Shall you require anything on your journey we will, as a nation, provide.", the king said with a smile.
With that, they left the palace and immediately headed to Anya's shop to tell her every bit of detail, and to prepare for the journey that follows by browsing wares. Lass had but hoped that this turned out well. He was unsure if defeat was ever even an option, to begin with. And he really did hope that the now battle-ready Ikarisa ended up making this. It was also running late. All night browsing wares, spending most of their earnings from the competition preparing everything necessary for the long road ahead, everyone going over twice and thrice the details. Finally, it was almost about to break dawn. So the real journey, as weird and large the task laid upon them was, given the circumstances, was about to begin...