Amid the opulent chamber within the majestic palace of the town, Nusi, flanked by the five devas and Kalidu, maintains her seat upon the imposing throne. The throne itself stands as a symbol of defiance, having withstood the futile attempts of the townspeople to destroy it before their hurried departure. Its weight and sturdiness rendered it immovable, forcing the fleeing populace to abandon it in their flight. As Nusi occupies the throne, exuding an air of authority, her companions are seated in a semicircle of chairs, engaged in intense deliberations concerning their next strategic moves.
Their recent triumph in conquering the town, however, has been tarnished by a considerable setback—the loss of a substantial portion of the town’s anticipated resources. The fleeing royal family, in a calculated act of defiance, stripped the town of its valuable assets before making their escape, leaving the conquerors with a hollow victory and depleted spoils.
In a moment of contemplation, Nusi reflects on the actions of the vanquished royal family and empathizes with their plight, acknowledging that she, too, would have likely made the same choices in their position. With the town’s elite cultivators defeated and victory over the formidable Armad forces seeming like an unattainable dream, the royal family had little choice but to gather their possessions and seek sanctuary elsewhere, forsaking their ancestral home.
The pressing question now looms large before Nusi and her council—how best to respond to the fleeing royal family. Should they await directives from Armad, the supreme authority, or take matters into their own hands and pursue the fugitives independently? Each passing moment is precious, and any delay in action could provide the royal family with a window of opportunity to evade capture successfully, slipping beyond their grasp.
Kalidu, while addressing Nusi with a sense of urgency, advocates for a relentless pursuit of the fugitives. “Your Highness,” he implores, “we must embark on a relentless pursuit of the fleeing royal family, tracking them down to the ends of the realm if need be. We must apprehend them, reclaim the wealth they have absconded with, and mete out justice by your wisdom and authority. Whether it be through punishment or reconciliation, your decisions will be just and necessary. However, the challenge lies in uncovering their current whereabouts. Reports suggest their flight occurred two days prior, and it is likely they have utilized speed-enhancing seals to expedite their escape. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that they have already crossed into neighboring territories, evading our grasp. What course of action do you deem fit, Your Highness, in this critical juncture of our campaign?”
Nusi paused, her expression contemplative as she weighed her thoughts before shaking her head slowly. “To be honest, as you’ve rightly pointed out, pursuing them holds its importance. However, the risks and disadvantages involved overshadow the potential benefits. First and foremost, if we decide to chase them, it would necessitate the full mobilization of our resources. We would have to commit all our strength if we hope to catch up with them. Moreover, considering they dared to flee, it’s clear they must have devised a robust plan. They would have carefully planned their escape route, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they had allies waiting to join them or assist them along their journey. You once mentioned that the neighboring region houses a considerable number of devas, significantly more than ours. Isn’t it plausible they have established connections there? It wouldn’t be surprising if they’ve already sent messages ahead and perhaps even secured reinforcements that are currently en route to meet them. They might have even successfully reached the next region by now. If we pursue them, we are essentially walking into a conflict in unfamiliar territory—an area where we have no control and where anything could happen.
Additionally, our resources are quite limited. We only have five devas at our disposal, and the bulk of our battalion consists of non-cultivators, which drastically reduces our chances of a successful engagement. Moreover, our current lack of precise information about their whereabouts further complicates the situation. Before we even consider pursuing them, we need to gather intelligence on their intended destination, identify their allies, and understand the motivations behind their seemingly confident escape. Another critical aspect you might not have considered is the security of this town. If we chase after them, who will protect the town? We could potentially leave one or two devas behind, but what about the other towns? The mission that Armad assigned to us was clear: to conquer and stabilize these towns without allowing any chaos to ensue. Now, with the town’s elite having fled, consider the potential consequences for the residents. It’s almost certain that in the absence of their leaders, thugs and opportunists will attempt to seize control, potentially leading to widespread looting and violence. This situation also presents us with a unique opportunity to solidify our hold over the townspeople. Their leaders have abandoned them in a time of crisis. If we step in and establish order, the people will have no choice but to either accept our governance or join their leaders who left them uninformed and unprotected.”
Nusi’s gaze then shifted as she addressed one of the devas present. “I want you to undertake the task of tracking down these fugitives. Given your proven capabilities and level as a deva, I am confident you can cover significant distances in a minimal amount of time. Two days should be sufficient for you to catch up to them, even if they have reached the adjoining region. I am not authorizing you to engage with them or undertake any aggressive actions. Your mission is purely reconnaissance. Do not let them know about your presence. Secretly gather information on where they are headed, the distance to the next region, and determine whether they have already reached it. Investigate what motivated their escape and assess the resources they have taken with them.” The deva nodded in understanding, then stood and exited the palace, prepared to execute the mission as instructed.
After a moment of silence that lingered in the air, Nusi turned her focused gaze towards Kalidu, her expression one of deep resolve and intent. She cleared her throat gent. “I need you to enter the town and employ every conceivable tactic to convince its inhabitants that their best—indeed, their only—option is to place their loyalty with Armad. They must perceive this not as a conquest, but as a seamless transition of power that preserves their rights and properties.”
“Communicate clearly that all personal possessions and properties will remain under the ownership of the townspeople. If someone owns a farm, it will not be seized. Shops, businesses, and all forms of enterprise will continue to operate as usual, with the sole alteration being the redirection of their taxes. These taxes, which were previously paid to their former king, will now be owed to us. This shift in fiscal allegiance is the primary change we seek to implement.”
“Kalidu, how long do you estimate you will need to successfully carry out this mission? Speed is crucial here. As the royal family of this town has fled, a similar exodus is likely to occur in the neighboring towns. We must act swiftly to prevent any power vacuums from leading to chaos. Delay could result in us arriving at the next town only to find it ablaze, taken advantage of by opportunists or thugs in the absence of its leaders. We must establish control swiftly and decisively to prevent such outcomes.”
Kalidu nodded, his face set in a mask of resolve. “Your Highness, a single day should suffice to complete this task. I will ensure it is done efficiently and discreetly, and I fully support your decision to stabilize here rather than pursue the fleeing leaders. It is indeed a wiser course of action.” He then stood up briskly, his movements reflecting his readiness, and strode towards the exit with a purposeful pace.
Once Kalidu had departed, Nusi turned her attention to the remaining four devas present in the room, her demeanor still exuding authority. “Now, regarding the three of you,” he continued, each word carefully weighed and delivered, “your assignment is equally critical. I need you to employ the highest speed possible and utilize every advanced mobility skill you possess to reach and secure the remaining towns in our strategy. If, upon your arrival, you find that the town’s elite has already fled, assert control immediately. However, if the elite remains, avoid confrontation. We will handle such towns together, consolidating our approach to ensure minimal resistance and maximal efficiency.”
“Initially, focus on securing three towns. Once you have established our presence there, we will quickly join you to reinforce and stabilize the situation. From there, proceed to the next set of three towns, and continue this pattern until all targeted towns are under our control. One among you will be tasked with overseeing and monitoring the towns we capture, ensuring stability and addressing any emerging issues proactively.”
The four devas remained silent, each one processing the gravity of the situation before one cautiously broke the silence. “Your Highness, I must express my concern regarding your safety. Leaving you alone with that old man is fraught with danger. Frankly, he does not have my trust. Moreover, His Highness Armad has specifically assigned us to ensure your protection. Should we abandon our duty and something untoward occurs, the blame would squarely fall upon us. Is there truly no possibility for you to reconsider your decision? Although you have tasked three of us with taking control of the neighboring towns, it seems prudent that at least one of us should remain by your side as a safeguard. The presence of a deva might not only provide protection but also serve as a deterrent against any malicious intentions from the old man or the townspeople.”
Silence enveloped the room once again as Nusi considered their words. After a moment, she replied with a calm yet firm voice, her decision resolute. “I appreciate your concerns, but three of you will suffice for the towns. However, I concur that one should stay—not to shadow my every step, but to blend in and act with subtlety. I am capable of handling my protection. What I require from him is discretion and vigilance. He should adopt the guise of a local and quietly gather intelligence on our strategic moves while keeping a close and watchful eye on Kalidu’s actions.”
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With their roles now clearly defined, the group swiftly came to a decision. Three devas set out towards the designated towns, each mentally prepared to subtly influence and observe the local dynamics. The remaining deva, tasked with a delicate balance of surveillance and intervention, seamlessly integrated into the local populace, his eyes and ears open for any sign of Kalidu’s maneuvers. Meanwhile, Nusi began her covert mission within the palace, discreetly searching for any valuables that could potentially be claimed as spoils of their strategic efforts.
Simultaneously, as Armad focused his efforts on subjugating these towns to secure his dominion over Tiriba, a sizable squad was seen advancing toward the town. This group, though not large in number, included a few cultivators whose presence was marked by a strong and palpable aura of cultivation, signaling their formidable prowess. However, what was most striking about their approach was their mode of transportation—a magnificent horse-drawn carriage that was as much a display of power as it was of wealth.
From afar, the carriage caught the sun’s rays, making it shimmer and glisten, its sides proudly adorned with the emblem of Miyura—two swords encircled an intricate symbol, signifying strength and vigilance. It was draped with white cloths, richly illustrated with patterns crafted from diluted gold, which caught the light and sparkled brilliantly, a testament to their lavish craftsmanship and the wealth of Armad’s domain. More than just decorative, the carriage bore strategic enchantments; and inscriptions designed to block out sunlight, thereby preserving a cool ambiance within its confines.
In an extraordinary display of opulence and security, a procession of more than 20 horse-drawn carriages wound its way toward the town of Tiriba, each meticulously adorned and flanked by vigilant riders. This was not just any convoy; the presence of such protectors underscored the high status of its occupants—individuals belonging to the elite echelons of society. Yet, while their prominence was manifested, the underlying purpose of their journey remained shrouded in mystery. The destination raised eyebrows: Why Tiriba?
Leading and concluding this impressive parade were thirteen horse-drawn carriages, each. The horses chosen for this task were of exceptional beauty and stature, their elegant forms and poised demeanors attracting the gaze of every bystander. Yet, among these splendid specimens, one carriage stood particularly prominent due to its unmatched grandeur. It was significantly larger and adorned with greater Miyura than its counterparts. The horse pulling this regal carriage was notably robust and majestic, dwarfing the others in both size and presence. Decorating the front of this distinguished carriage was an imposing emblem of a Miyura, its intricately designed swords emitting a light so luminous it seemed to outshine the sun itself.
Inside this remarkable carriage, the scene was one of serene authority. A young man sat calmly, his attire a flawless white, embellished with the elaborate symbols of the Wilberforce empire—indicative of his significant status or pivotal role within the realm. On his forehead, a Miyura spun quietly, from which a thick, pol string emanated, elegantly coiling through the air and intertwining with his essence. Though his eyes were closed as if in deep contemplation or rest, his youthful features suggested he was no older than 16 years.
Seated next to this enigmatic young noble was an elderly man, his posture deeply bowed in a display of immense respect—astonishing, given that he was of an age to have grandchildren older than the youth beside him. His attire marked him as a judge, a position of considerable authority and reverence, amplifying the solemn respect he exhibited towards the young man.
The carriage itself was a masterpiece of craftsmanship and magical engineering. Contrary to its external appearance, the interior was deceptively spacious, far more expansive than one might anticipate. The seats were not merely functional; they were masterpieces of craftsmanship, bespoke and indicating the high rank and importance of its occupants. Positioned above, an Airid device circulated cool air, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere within the carriage, effectively negating the external heat which, due to protective enchantments, could not penetrate the carriage. Furthermore, spells had been woven into the very fabric of the carriage walls, creating a barrier that insulated against external noise while containing any internal sounds, unless explicitly allowed to escape by those inside.
The horses that drew this luxurious conveyance were extraordinary—not mere beasts of burden but creatures of special breeding, endowed with the ability to adjust their speed to complete journeys that would normally take a month in just three days or fewer. These capabilities were not natural but were the fruits of selective breeding and magical enhancement, reserved for beings of significant status or those embarking on missions of utmost importance.
This elaborate setup—the magnificent carriage, the exceptional horses, and the high-security escort—was designed for the exclusive movement of the elite, tailored for significant missions or travels involving influential figures.
Who then was this young man, warranting such high regard and elaborate preparation that even a venerable judge would serve as his companion in such a deferent manner?
Several minutes elapsed before the young man slowly opened his eyes as if he had been roused from a deep, cultivation meditation. He cast a weary glance at the judge seated beside him, his features marked by a mix of exhaustion and irritation. “How much longer until we arrive? I am growing increasingly weary of this journey through this part of the world, where even the air seems to sap my strength. There’s no rich, invigorating scent here—nothing that stirs the soul or sharpens the mind. Residing in this barren place would only serve to diminish one’s intellect.”
As he spoke these words, a subtle smile flickered across his face, suggesting a hint of irony or perhaps a private joke. “However, this region might indeed be well-suited for my brother, given his fragile memory and his frequent misunderstandings. It seems like a fitting environment for him to settle in.”
The judge beside him bowed his head slightly, perhaps in contemplation or as a sign of deference. He chose not to address the young man’s somewhat disparaging remark about his brother but instead answered the direct question posed earlier. “Your Highness, we should reach the town of Tiriba by tomorrow. Indeed, within a day, you will have the opportunity to reunite with your brother.”
The mention of this impending reunion caused the young man’s face to crease into a frown, and he shot a look of disdain towards the judge. Deep inside, he harbored a strong aversion to the idea of seeing his brother, a sentiment born not out of sibling rivalry but from a profound sense of duty and obligation that compelled him to undertake this journey. He was here not for a heartfelt reunion but to deliver a critical message, one that demanded his attention yet did not excite his interest. After wrestling with these thoughts for a moment, he decided that expressing them aloud would be a waste of effort. Thus, with a deliberate turn of his head, he dismissed further conversation, opting for a contemplative silence instead.
The judge, still maintaining his respectful posture, remained silent. The young man in question was none other than Prince Sufa, one of the sons of emperor Ayrion. What could this message entail that necessitated such a personal and burdensome delivery?
As the horse-drawn carriages meandered through the picturesque landscape, a group of soldiers from the Armad forces lay hidden amongst the hills. These troops, meticulously camouflaged to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, had been strategically stationed to closely monitor the movement of individuals traveling both to and from the nearby town. This surveillance operation was a critical element of their mandate to ensure the security of the area and to gather intelligence that could preempt any threats or prepare for important arrivals.
Leaving the protective cover of the hills, travelers would find themselves entering the region known as Tiriba. From this point, the journey to the town’s center was typically brief, usually not extending beyond a day. It was well-known that King Armad had deployed soldiers in this region specifically to relay advance reports of any significant activities or movements heading toward the town.
On this particular occasion, the soldiers spotted a carriage marked by the distinctive emblems of the Wilberforce Empire. This sight was not unfamiliar; indeed, all previous carriages observed in the region were also associated with the Wilberforce Empire. Recognizing the carriage, the soldiers needed no words to communicate their next steps. Exchanging glances that conveyed volumes, one of them quietly retrieved an Airid. Quickly, they composed and sent a message to the judge responsible for their assignment.
This judge held a pivotal role within the town of Tiriba, especially in the absence of King Armad. His responsibilities were manifold, including the oversight of various development and maintenance projects within the town. One of his primary tasks was the reconstruction of the town walls, which had suffered extensive damage at the hands of enemy forces. It was amidst these duties that he received the unexpected message from the soldiers.
The message caused the judge to pause and frown in puzzlement. There had been no prior indication from the royal court or King Armad himself that any special inspections or supervisory missions were planned. Initially, a comprehensive four-year development plan had been laid out for the town, of which only a year and a few months had elapsed. With more than two years remaining in the timeline, the judge was left bewildered by the timing of this sudden communication.
The implications of this unexpected message were not immediately clear. The soldiers who had dispatched it were operating on protocol—they reported unusual or noteworthy sightings without necessarily understanding the broader strategic context. They were unaware of who exactly was inside the carriage or what their presence signified. With King Armad currently not in town and a considerable amount of time remaining before the development plan was due for review, the judge found himself in a challenging position.
He now needed to consider several factors: the possible intentions behind this sudden report, the potential responses from the royal court, and how he might maintain the delicate balance of progress and security in Tiriba. All these considerations had to be juggled without the direct guidance of King Armad, forcing the judge to rely on his judgment and the limited information at hand to navigate the situation effectively.