Polished marble floors and columns greeted Alaster as the guards opened the double doors. A golden carpet ran down the middle of the room towards a throne raised up on marble stairs. White banners with gold trim hung from the columns displayed the City’s colors.

On either side of the carpet, stood numerous Nobles that were critical to the City’s continued development and survival. Alaster had expected to see only Humans, but glancing around the room, Alaster saw his first Elf and Dwarf.

There were only a handful of either, with the majority still being Humans. Of course, according to both Sedall and Belgroth, Elves and Dwarves were still technically Humans.

They melded into the crowd seamlessly, without any apparent distinction. Though the Dwarves were in front.

Aila had previously mentioned that Alaster’s method of Magic was more like an Elf’s. The Fairer race, as they arrogantly called themselves, used Magic that relied on their emotions. This method of using Magic was typically stronger, and always faster, but less reliable.

The Dwarves were on the opposite end of the spectrum. They specialized in using Magic that relied heavily on certain principles and rules. Dwarven Enchantments were some of the strongest in history.

As the young man had expected, the Dwarves had large beards with various beads, ribbons, and braids, each with their own meaning, though Alaster did not know what. He had heard vague conversations that Elves were a female dominant race while Dwarves were the opposite. And Alaster was inclined to belief it.

The Elvish women were uniquely gorgeous. They all caused Alaster to stare longer than he intended, each for different aspects. Their eagle-like eyes were fascinating, but one woman’s were bright purple. Another left their midriff open, exposing graceful but powerful muscles. While another wore a tight-fitting dress that showed her plentiful curves while still appearing modest.

Seated upon the marble and cushioned throne sat a large, bearded man. Above the throne, Alaster spotted a large tower shield with the Galmorian Emblem.

The Delegation stopped ten feet away from the throne and knelt down. Azemar stood behind them and nodded at the man while Alaster stood next to his teacher. A few of the Nobles began murmuring to each other in hushed voices at Alaster’s brazen act.

The man atop the throne did not react, however.

“Report.” He said curtly.

The head of the Delegation stood, “Sir, Onigas still stands strong. They suffered significant damages during the siege, but not nearly as much as first estimated. The Onigarian Lord estimated that they would be completely repaired within the year, though their infrastructure received very little damage and remains fully operational.”

“The Alliance?”

“They were very pleased to receive the offer, as expected. We delegated with them for several days over the details, as you know, and eventually came to a contract that satisfied both parties. While we will have to create a safe path, the Onigarians are perfectly capable of trading with us.

With them serving as our connection to the outside world, we should be able to expand our influence and reach with minimal risk.”

The Lord scratched the side of his face with the same hand he was leaning on, “By chance, were you able to learn of the reason the Tarians were unable to take the city?”

The Noble lowered his head and stepped to the side, “Yes sir, in fact, we managed to bring the reason back with us. The man standing beside the Elder nearly singlehandedly repelled the army. Or so the reports claim. As I’m sure everyone present is aware, the reports of a desperate soldier are often exaggerated.”

The Lord leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. As he did so, a heavy weight seemed to descend on the room, pressing down on all present. There was no Ability activated. The weight was simply the presence of the man.

“And why would you come to our city?” The Lord directly asked Alaster.

The young man replied casually, “I had heard of the Independent City that lied in the depths of the forests. A city constantly under siege. A city of Experts. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”

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The Nobles in the room puffed up their chests with pride. Smug grins on their faces.

“I’m disappointed.”

The room was in shock. This man, this stranger, had walked into the heart of their counsel and insulted their city. Insulted them.

“How dare you!” One of the Nobles shouted.

Others joined in with their own shouts, only to be silenced a moment later by a simply raised hand of their Lord.

“In what way are you disappointed?”

“I am genuinely impressed how a city could survive so deep in the wilds. Seeing the city from above impressed me even more. An entire city built with defensibility first and livability second.

Just from the defenses I saw from the air I calculated that it would take at least fifty thousand to take the outer wall. Just to reach the inner ring would take another seventy. I imagine that you have all sorts of defenses hidden, aimed both outside the walls and inside the city.

Being under siege constantly doesn’t even truly weaken your forces because most of them consist of Summons and Minions. I doubt your weekly loss of soldiers don’t even exceed a hundred, which with a population easily exceeding a hundred thousand, is no issue.

The defenses seem to be in good repair despite its age and constant stress and the soldiers are experienced and well disciplined.

Despite the overwhelming might you hold, you are trapped within your own city, only able to travel outside it while flying. I saw no evidence of you even attempting to create a road or expand past your walls. And even if you claim that the Monsters are too strong or too numerous, if that is the case, why then are your Nobles so busy attempting to subvert each other?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Just in the short time I’ve been here I have heard no less than four conspiracies to sabotage each other. If you are so pressed that you can’t even fight back, then at the very least, you should keep a clean house.”

“You did not come here just to observe.”

“No.”

The Lord turned to Azemar, “Elder?”

“For years now, everyone has been pressuring me to take on an apprentice. Someone to teach and possibly take on my role. Usually with an offer of their own person for such a role. It’s grown quite annoying; however, I do believe my knowledge should be passed on. So, I finally chose someone.”

“Him?”

“Yes.”

“And you trust him?”

“I can count on one hand the number of people I trust. He is not one of them. But I do trust enough that he will not act except in self-defense.”

“And what will you be teaching him if he is so powerful already?” The Lord sat back.

“That is between him and I.”

“Will it in anyway compromise Galmore’s security?”

“No.”

The Lord sighed, “Fine. From here on, this man is under the protection of our Elder.”

One of the Nobles from the left stepped forward, “Sir, is that truly the best way to go about this? The Elder has brought a stranger into our home, a stranger that is reportedly exceedingly powerful. I trust the Elder, but I do not trust the fragile word of a stranger.”

Alaster calmly stared at the man, “Nor should you. With a thought I could kill half of the people in this room before the guards even knew that anything was happening. You would be foolish to believe the word of such a person. But you would be even dumber to make an enemy out of such a person.

I am also a personal friend to the Onigarian Lord. An offence against me would be tantamount to offending Onigas, who you all seem quite interested in a relationship with.

Yet I am not an Onigarian.

I claim allegiance to no person, city, nation, or ideology.

I am here to learn from your Elder, that is all. I have nothing against Galmore or its people. I have no wish to see it harmed, but the same could be said in the adverse. I have no issue in doing harm, should it come to it.

Even if you banished me from the city, I could, nigh effortlessly, sneak back in for my lessons.”

“Remain silent Alaster.” Azemar commanded, “However, he is correct. I have personally seen his strength. I know quite well his capabilities, yet I also know that he is still far from his height. He will continue to grow, both in power, wealth, and influence.

Is it not better to align ourselves with him now?

What’s the harm in it? Besides, if anything, I would be the only one that last anything. Regardless, I do not need your permission nor blessing.

Come Alaster, Its time for your first lesson.”

Despite the calm emotionless expression, Alaster could tell that Azemar had grown tired of the Nobles. He could not blame him. They had both been confined in close quarters with several for many days. Even close friends could become tired of each other in such a situation.

Azemar turned around without waiting for a response. It was no doubt a usual act since none of the Nobles seemed to be shocked, though a few struggled to conceal their annoyance. Not even the Lord seemed surprised, though perhaps a tad amused.

As the Throne Room doors closed behind the pair, Azemar began walking through the halls with a comfortable gait. He glanced at the young man beside him.

“What part of keep quiet unless spoken to did you miss?”

Alaster shrugged, “All of it?”

Azemar rolled his eyes but did not comment further on the matter.

“I see that you have kept your face hidden.”

“Better to leave my true identity hidden while in a new environment.”

“Good. Keep it like that. Doing so will allow you to explore the city unmolested, should you desire.”

“I saw enough of the city from the air.”

“No, you didn’t. Besides, there will be several times that I will have to attend to other matters. During such occasions, I want you to study the way the common people interact.”

Alaster opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by someone crashing into his side.