The war room saw its first use deep into the night, befitting a place where history is made.

The two kings were not the leader of this table tonight. Kairos of Saint Empire was.

It is understandable that they have endless questions. They seek the knowledge about Ki and the Origin Energy, and their differences.

They counselled with him about the mysteries of the upper world, Gaia, and from him they heard of wonderous lands and incredible powers they had never seen before.

And, from him, they heard that they too can be a part of that world, if, the portal to Gaia is to open. Should that day come, Axis Mundi will need to decide how they will interact with the foreign world. Or more importantly, how can they compete with a realm more powerful than themselves.

Unfortunately, portal magic is the one spell that the humans are more advanced in than the magically talented elves.

Portals are the only thing that could summon heroes, after all. And heroes are the only beings that could challenge the Godking Veritus and help the humans rule in this land.

The sheer amount of work, and sacrifices, to make portal spells possible is staggering. Much more than most realises.

That particular knowledge is something kept private by the humans.

There are two directions now, to the human lands and search for a way home, and towards the elven lands to search for stronger magic and to free George and Rachel.

Instead of picking one, it will be better to do both at the same time. Besides, the human kingdoms guard their secrets with zeal, they need to be more prepared before venturing into hostile grounds.

Of course, another goal is to establish themselves here at the dwarven lands to gather more information, and raise the little ones at the same time.

Kairos took a look at Aisa chasing the Apoidea Queen nymph and King Wolf cub around and sighed. The Moon Bunny and Two-Tailed Fennec Fox are resting at the corner of the room, exhausted from playing catch. The kids have it best when they never need to stress about anything.

The two kings left with Thunderstalk in their custody. The damages that both the dwarven and gnomish cities will be repaid with his fortunes, and everything else are given to Kairos as apology for this incident. This means that overnight, this high gnome noble has become a pauper. Not only so, as part of the reparation to Saint Empire, the gnomes will pay for the next five years’ expenses for training an army.

Likewise, Hogard also offered to provide blacksmiths to help the Snowdrifts forge their equipment. While the costs are the same as buying from the stores, having exclusive dwarven blacksmiths is great enough advantage for Kairos to thank the dwarven king profusely.

The next day, Kairos hosted another meeting, this time with only his friends. This means that Leo and Linda are also in their midst and if not because of what Thunderstalk divulged about the dwarves, they would have invited Edgar and the other masters too.

“And so, this is our new base,” Kairos said after explaining to Leo and Linda how they managed to move into Thunderstalk’s manor. The Gnome King left not only the building but all of the servants. The butler that declared that he would follow after Kairos was the first the accept the arrangement with a proud look on his face as if he should be the chief housekeeper because of his foresight.

Being the quickest defector definitely does not accredit him to become the head. Normally, this kind of person should not be hired, but the Gnome King purposely let those employed by Thunderstalk remain in the manor to serve Kairos and Relestia. To borrow the land of the gnomes and train an army, it is hard to decline their king’s goodwill.

Of course, whether it is really goodwill is still up in the air. But if these undecided and disloyal servants are well managed, they can in turn help secure Kairos and Relestia’s position.

Hearing everything that happened, especially how two people deterred a thousand five hundred soldiers, Leo was staring so hard that his eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

Linda’s tiny hands kept reaching upwards as if prepared to catch them if they fell out.

“T… then, you are now a military general?” Leo asked while knitting his fingers together nervously.

“I had always been a general since we met. Well, at least before I came to this world.”

“But… but, you make such amazing food, and you’re teaching me how to cook!”

“Those that aren’t a good chef aren’t a good general,” Relestia explained with an impish smile.

Kairos playfully gave her a thumbs up for the flawless logic.

“Well, thank you, good sir,” she humbly accepted the praise.

Hearing the resulting laughter, Leo also chuckled, “Come to think of it, young master Kairos is also a blacksmith.”

This is the first time his three followers heard that he could forge.

The impish grin on Relestia’s face widened.

“A chef that isn’t a blacksmith can’t be a good general,” she corrected herself.

“Are there more things that the young master could do?” Boink immediately asked.

“Hey, aren’t you a bodyguard? You’re supposed to protect me,” Kairos protested.

Leo thought a bit then said, “Young master can brew drinks pretty well.”

Kairos shot the man a glare. His own disciple betrayed him without hesitation.

Linda made a face at Kairos, “Don’t be mean to my dad!”

Kairos quickly threw his hands up gesturing his surrendering.

“A brewmaster too?” those that did not know he can brew openly show their interest. If the drinks he make are the same standard as his food, there is much to look forward to.

“Aren’t we off topic?” Kairos said weakly. He feels that he can still save himself.

“Maybe he knows other things too?”

Relestia winked at Kairos. A chill shot up his back.

If anyone knows his history here, it is this playful princess who had followed him around Saint Cadets Academy for a year.

“Tia, please don’t add more monikers to the list,” Kairos sent her a mental message packaged with a wilting look.

Relestia who seemed to have received the telepathy stuck out a small tongue as if asking what is it in for her?

Kairos’ eyes widened.

This girl! Someone must’ve led her astray for her to know when to take advantage of another’s plight! Who is that bad influence? Kairos promise himself to find the culprit and add … nice things to his food.

Yeah, that bad influence should be myself.

No wonder this felt so familiar.

Kairos clandestinely surrendered. Securing a small victory, Relestia formed a small fist as a smile curved upwards.

*Cough*

Kairos dragged his eyes away from the glistering pink lips and blinked his eyes for a while.

This girl is getting prettier every day. Even though he often laughed at his brothers when they talked about Luciette and the other girls, he himself is not immune.

“Let’s not deviate from the topic… cough.”

“Oh, ha ha, we supposed to be talking about something serious, aren’t we?” Leo scruffled his head apologetically.

Kairos gave him a smile then said, “We need to set up a branch of the Snowdrifts on Axis Mundi. Princess Relestia promised to help the gnomes to establish a citizen union. An intelligence department must be formed. And lastly, I plan to head towards the elven forests.”

Four things, each heavy with importance and equally daunting.

Everyone’s expression visibly turned serious.

After a pregnant pause, Kairos continued, “For the guild, the gnomes and dwarves have most generously allowed us to use their land and allowed applications from their citizens, but because of this it is crucial that we maintain autonomous.

Although we can reference Gaia’s Snowdrifts, we should create a new guild system together that suit the locals. Forging, cooking, herbalism, combat, and cultivation will be taught to those who join according to their interests and contribution to the guild.”

When Kairos said ‘contribution’ he emphasised on the word.

Kairos added, “Let’s make a list with ideas from everyone.”

Like designing a new home, to setup a guild is exhilarating.

“What about a point system to measure contributions?” Relestia asked excitedly.

Caught by her enthusiasm, the rest quickly pitched in.

“That’s a good idea! If we have a point system, we will definitely want a mission board!” Lulatia chirped. Kairos’ eyes brightened at this. It is just like the adventurers’ guild back on Gaia.

“Then we will need a member rank ladder to determine privileges!” Clef said with equal interest.

Another good suggestion.

The participation lit a fire in Leo, “Of course! And if everyone can climb to higher positions, then we will need facilitate them with houses, training areas, and resources. We can offer them a different range of benefits according to their ranks.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

People started giving Leo nods of approval. His suggestion is a well-thought out one.

“Swimming pool?” Linda suggested happily.

“Of course! And other entertainment facilities too, like playgrounds or bouncy castles,” Kairos said with a smile. He had nodded at every suggestion, quickly penning them down on paper.

This branch of the Snowdrifts guild will be a creation made by everyone here. If the suggestions are sound, he wants to include as many possibilities as he could.

Just the suggestions so far demonstrate these people on the table has the more than enough knowledge and experience.

After thinking a while, Boink suddenly mentioned, “An exchange board so that people can place the things they can spare or the skills they can offer to barter for other stuff?”

Eyes sparkled as they looked at him as if discovering something new and unbelievable. The idea is on a class of its own and covered an area no one else thought of.

Clef clapped the bodyguard on his back, “Didn’t expect that out of you, big man.”

“Why. I don’t look like that sort?”

The Hyena Mage nodded, “I thought you to be rougher, but that was pretty neat.”

The bodyguard scratched his head and after much thought said, “Ah, my name wasn’t Boink all along. Used to be Dainsleif… There’s this boy I guarded. The kid said my name is frightening and make me seem like I would boink anyone on the head.”

“I think, he actually wanted to say uncle Boink’s face is frightening but changed it to ‘name’ at the last moment,” Linda said, making a face.

Before Leo could cover his daughter’s mouth, Lulatia looked intensely at the little girl and nodded a few times.

With this tongue, the little girl will go far.

Relestia also gave her a thumbs up and a wide smile. Linda herself tilted her head, confused at everyone’s reaction. She was just being nice to uncle Boink. This name he gave himself is too pitiful. Dainsleif sounds so much better, and if the reason is because someone did like the way Dainsleif sounded, she must correct that thought.

“….,” the bodyguard opened his mouth and closed a few times. Finally, he said, “H… how did you know?”

Thinking back, the little boy did make a face before he told him his name. So, maybe all along it was his looks?

It’s confirmed. The name change is for naught.

“Why doesn’t uncle change his name back to Dainsleif? I feel that is so much cooler!” Linda couldn’t help but say.

Boink paused a little, struggling internally before continuing, “The child’s father made some powerful enemies and there was a raid one night. They were supposed to go after the man himself, but somehow, they went after the child instead. I was in another room when it happened. The kid did not survive. Boink, is a memento for me.”

The bodyguard made a smile that looked worse than crying.

Linda jumped off from the tall chair she was sitting on, her little feet pattering as she went over. The small hand that stroked his back felt scorching hot. From it, warmth quickly travelled through his body and thawed his cold blood like summer rays seeping into his bones..

Boink’s expressions softened as he rubbed the little girl’s head, “You’re a good child. Thank you.”

Things went from being excited new homeowners to funny to downright depressing in seconds. A whole range of emotions at a time no one expected, the bodyguard did not pick a good setting but it is not unexpected of the man.

While sudden, it seemed as though barriers were broken, and their group become more tightly intertwined than before. At least, Boink had recognised them as close enough to share some of his past.

For the three who defected from their own ambassadors at the embassy, they carry grave crimes on their shoulders from the aspect of their previous organisations. To be able to feel ascertained in choosing the right path is a grand thing.

With the first item ticked off, Kairos brought up the second on the list: To help the gnomes form a union.

Because of their rampage on the streets and distributing the unsightly deeds on flyers, the High Gnomes’ hold on the citizens had been dislodged.

The Gnome King was left with few choices to handle the aftermath, none of which included taking up on the ridiculous notions to grant regular people more power.

It upsets those already in power, and when they disagree, no one can have a good time. At least, this was the way he thought until he found out about the Origin Energy. Perhaps, it is time for those who hoard their power bleed a little.

The Gnome King readily accepted the formation of a union in hopes of a longer life.

It is the same for anyone in power, nothing is more alluring than the promise of longevity and good health. If they could learn the secrets to wield Origin Energy, they will have no hesitation to trade away some of their control over the regular people.

As Kairos mentioned, those that join the Snowdrifts have the freedom to stay or leave, a test of loyalty. But for the High Gnomes, why would they betray their own interests? And the lad never said they could not form their own groups. If possible, the nobles will happily gobble up the Snowdrifts from within.

Of course, once the High Gnomes know of this deal, there is little doubt that the union can be formed and promises will be made, but as time passes, words will be remembered differently with very little encouragements made from very little effort.

This is what Kairos and Relestia wants to prevent.

What was discussed before in the streets was quickly drawn out on paper. The rules and regulations that would protect the common interest are only more elaborate and detailed. Within this system, there are three parties, the people, the governors, and the Gardeners.

The third one is the name that they picked as the rule enforcing third-party.

All that is left is to ensure that things play out accordingly.

The third item is to create an intelligence department. The way they are functioning now is just wandering in the dark. Thanks to Kairos’ surveillance spell they have utter advantage in Blacken Soot Mountain, but everywhere else they are blind.

Kairos pull out a rolled-up parchment from within his leather shirt and spread it across the table.

On it are tiny words he had wrote beforehand that explains all the things a spy should know as well as the basic functions of an intelligence agency.

The knowledge is copied from the Dark Hall. Having perfect recall is just one of the advantages he gained after becoming a cultivator. Unfortunately, he did not have time to go through all the books and the lessons during his time there. That means, many parts of this scroll originated from him. Though it sounds reasonable, Kairos knows that without experience as a spy, many things may be lacking. Still, for starting anew, it is adequate.

Not only the things that he read, Kairos also adopted the nine departments that the Dark Hall is comprised of, the Jade hall that instils loyalty, the Combat hall which teaches its namesake, the Thoughts hall that helps one know when to take action, the Knowledge hall that contains all the information needed, the Silent hall which trains one’s patience, the Dance hall that coaches one to meld into any social context naturally, the Invitation Hall that lists all targets, the Death Hall which is actually just a cooler name for place that hands out missions, and the Command Hall that controls the whole operation at every moment.

The task of forming this agency fell into the hands of Clef. The Hyena Mage is in fact an intelligence officer. When he took one look at the plans he was thoroughly impressed. The first six halls equip the agents, and the last three halls manage the information gathered.

While different from the organisation he came from, these things listed are workable. In fact, they are far more established and with greater emphasis on training new agents. Given that cultivators live longer lifespans and are also harder to kill, the scale which the Dark Hall runs on is definitely greater than those of Axis Mundi.

The spies from the Axis would have only gone through the equivalent of the Jade Hall, the Combat Hall, and the Knowledge Hall. Only the very best would be proficient in the rest and most of their knowledge would have come from experience instead of being passed down via training.

To be selected to accompany an ambassador on a top-secret mission, Clef is one of the latter. His defection was an exceptional blow to the human kingdoms, but a great advantage to the Snowdrifts.

In fact, all three of them, Lulatia, Clef, and Boink, are elites amongst elites. In normal times, there are no way their home country would allow experts like them to escape. And if retrieval was impossible, a kill-order will be made. Fortunately, because the meeting in the embassy was appalling, all news regarding it was sealed. None of the humans, elves, and gnomes could tolerate their participation to be exposed, and the dwarves are ashamed to admit their oversight.

Naturally, now no one knows about Lulatia, Clef, and Boink.

The final item on the list is Kairos’ decision to head towards the elven forests.

“Everything that happened or is happening is related to the Elf King. I feel that meeting him will solve some of the questions we have.”

When Kairos said that the others looked at him with amazement. Many of them had grew up hearing tales of the Elf King. To the other races of Axis Mundi, he is like the boogeymen that is used to scare children into good behaviour. The only difference is when those children grow up, they will realise their ‘boogeymen’ is very real.

For the elves, their king is a complicated existence, but no less terrifying than a boogeymen.

King Veritus is no real king of the elves. At least he had done nothing for the elves. Instead, they consecrate him in worship and offerings.

It is not like they can choose otherwise, since there is no one in this world that was his match, save the long-expired Witch King.

For Kairos to propose meeting him face-to-face is beyond brave.

From many of the archives he studied, the Elf King is not a regular person. Kairos highly suspect that he is a living immortal trapped in this mortal realm. If that is the case, the way home might not be in the hands of the humans who are proficient with portal spells.

Worried that they might not be convinced, Kairos quickly added, “Besides talking to him, the best spellcasters of this world are there. The spellbooks I studied before are far more detailed than I expect, but many of the things written I need to encounter to understand.”

Kairos is not unprepared, but this time it is hard for him to explain his confidence.

After a quiet moment, Boink spoke.

Kairos prepared to answer all the difficult questions.

“Boss…,” the large man said.

Here it comes.

“What are we going to eat while you’re away?” He said with a bit of uneasiness.

Relestia burst into silvery laughter.

He went straight to the most crucial point.

Kairos scratched his head a little.

“Uhh, don’t worry. You’ve got me,” Leo offered.

“Then you better come back fast boss. Leo only mastered like… three dishes?”

“Hey man. You should be more confident with me. I… I’ve got like three dishes and a dessert down.”

“I don’t fancy sweet things.”

“Is this the main issue here?” Lulatia asked softly.

Clef nodded, “Exactly, the main issue should be the dessert. There is only ONE dessert to choose from.”

“Kai Kai, no one is worried about you,” Relestia bit her lips to stop herself from laughing.

“Looks like I need to leave Leo with more recipes before I go.”

“Do you really have to go?”

“Not right now, but there are puzzles still missing in the picture. The monster rampage, the way home, and… the existence of the devils on Axis Mundi.”

The Guardian Dragon Thrym on Gaia had once sent them a message through Sasha and the three captains. Most mortal worlds kept sealed devils within. Kairos’ existence is to vanquish these soul parasites that are otherwise indestructible. Everything else can be his hobby, but this is his main job.

If anyone would know of the sealed devil, it should be the most powerful person in this world, Elf King Veritus.

The others quickly agreed and even offered to go along but was quickly rejected. The number of trustworthy hands for the other three items are already too limited. Even Kairos can only head out after things settle down. Relestia offered to stay and oversee things in his absence. Her Ki levels had dropped dangerously low, the previous battle had forced her to tap into her contract beast’s energy reserves. If she enters another fight, it will jeopardise not just herself but her Nemean Lion as well.

Though she did not know of Kairos’ injuries, she had been filled with incredulity from speculating how massive Kairos’ Ki pool would be, especially after going through some of his battles with him. Even if his cultivation is higher, this amount of Ki is unbelievable, and that is after considering how little he uses Ki in his fights.

Her hero turned out much stronger than she imaged, but instead of a good thing, she fears getting ditched because she couldn’t catch up.

Seeing her expressions as the little princess said she will stay behind; Kairos largely guessed her thoughts.

He pulled out another scroll from his leather shirt and handed it to her, “This one is the Origin Cultivation Method that I customised for you.”

Although there is no Ki in this world, any living thing will have life force, and as long as there is life force, one can refine it into Origin Energy.

Like many of the things Kairos creates, the usual restrictions are removed. While most people emphasise on talent, which is how fast you go, but he focuses on how far you can go.

He believes that talent is secondary when the limit is removed. Of course, he will never outrightly say that it is because he had very little talent himself.

That is why though he can use all elements, all magic, and all auras, Kairos is not overpowered.

With things confirmed, work is carried out immediately. After reading through the ancient dwarven scrolls, Kairos already have the required knowledge and ideas to improve on it, but have yet the time to pen it down for the dwarves. This will be a good opportunity for him to do so and complete the scrolls as he had promised.

The land they are on is large enough for most of the tasks. At first, they thought an intelligence agency cannot fit in such a place, but Kairos and Clef quickly rented several shopfronts in both the gnomish and dwarven cities which will become branches to move information around. This made the space needed as their base of operation far smaller.

Compartments are segregated within the manor. A small fishing harbour, hot bath, restaurants, armoury, guards’ room, staff room, treasury, exchange hub, mission board, and every other facility needed were drawn out. If the building could not accommodate, they expanded it.

Edgar and the other teachers quickly came for housewarming, most of them made excuses to come over with food or drink in their minds, but after trapping their stomachs, it was easy to get manpower from them. The craftsmen that are straightforward by nature are quick to agree.

“If you provide all the food and drinks, we will make the grandest buildings for you,” Firewrought Goldplate boasted pounding a fist on his chest.

As a metalworker, the scale he could create on a category of its own. Amethyst Brightgem also agreed to add gems to the finished product, both for decoration and protection.