Musa and Abdimalik arrived at the kingdom of Jime with a spiraling portal behind them. Dozens of soldiers followed after with sighs of relief as they saw their homes in the distance, but their jobs weren’t quite over yet.

Given the order to reach the king, Musa and Abdimalik tried their best to gather the troops. They tried shouting, but most of the soldiers just wanted to see their families again. With no argument to keep them at bay, they proceeded to the castle with a handful of injured soldiers.

Walking around while looking at the towering castle in the distance was a surreal experience for the two boys. They were used to small homes and adequately sized apartment complexes. If the magic powers weren’t enough to convince them they were in a fantasy world, the skyscraper that was the Jime castle in all of its glory would’ve done the trick.

Some of the soldiers told the two some stories of their youth as they passed by several of the city's landmarks. It gave them a sense of reality, that they weren’t dreaming and that everything they were looking at wasn’t just some painting on a screen.

They really were transported to a fantasy world.

Once they arrived at the tall castle, they stared up at it from the gates, feeling a little nauseous from the view. Standing at around 120 meters in height, they felt their hearts sink just by looking at it. While they awed, the injured soldiers spoke with the guards to let them know their situation. It didn’t take long for the guards to let the group through, in turn grabbing Musa and Abdimalik’s attention.

As they made their way through the enormous front yard, the two looked at the varying flowers, ponds, statues, bushes, and maids watching them.

Soldier 1: [You two are easily impressed, huh? I always thought Aveay had a lot more to see than this hell hole.]

Abdimalik: [Aveay is nice and all, but wow! It doesn’t have a massive building like this!]

Trying to keep the illusion of an Aveay soldier up, Abdimalik came up with a half-assed lie to fool the soldier. However, after seeing him raise his eyebrows, he knew he said something wrong.

Soldier 1: [Are we talking about the same Aveay?]

Musa: [He means… we aren’t from the main city and only really get to see it from a distance! It looks great and all, but being inside a major city is a different experience, y’know?]

Soldier 1: [Ah… I guess that makes sense.]

After dismissing his comment, Musa turned to Abdimalik and punched his shoulder. With a snarky wrinkle on his face, the chubby soldier crossed his arms and continued his track.

As soon as they made it to the lobby, a maid approached one of the maids with her arms crossed in front of her thighs. She listened to him explain their sudden appearance. After giving him a low bow, she scurried to the castle stairs and disappeared behind the doors.

Musa: [What’s happening now?]

Soldier 1: [If the king wants to hear from us, the doors will open. If not, we will be kindly told to leave.]

Abdimalik: [We don’t have the choice to leave, though.]

Soldier 1: [No need to worry. There’s a war going on so I’m sure he’s willing to hear us out.]

Abdimalik: [Then why do I get the feeling something horrible is going to happen?]

Soldier 1: [The king is well known for compensating his soldiers, so there’s nothing to fear.]

Musa: [Compensating, huh? You think he’ll give us tons of money?]

Abdimalik: [Shit, he better! I don't want to live like those guys out there.]

Musa: [What were you thinking?]

Abdimalik: [Whatever is equal to a millionaire in this world. That way I can throw half of it into investments, and the other half into growing a business.]

Musa: [Why? Don’t you want to live a little? We’re in a whole ‘nother world. I’d like to travel if I can.]

Abdimalik: [What’ll you do once you’re out of money, then?]

Musa: [A million is a lot. I’d probably just sit back and chill out until Ruby and the others find a way back home.]

As if on cue, the large doors in front of them rattled as they moved forward. Their slow opening quickly revealed a man with a stubbled beard between three maids, standing with his hands behind his back and a wide smile. He was wearing a light grey t-shirt with rolled-up sleeves, dark blue jeans, and a few gold and silver rings and bracelets. On his right ear he wore a silver ring-shaped earring, and on his right a gold one. His night-black hair was spiked up, holding up with roughly applied hair gel.

Nothing about the way he looked screamed royalty, but his mannerisms and posh posture did.

King Keshab: [I’ve been waiting for your arrival, soldiers!]

With a wide smile, he approached the dozen soldiers standing before him.

King Keshab: [How’s it going out there? You guys aren’t done already, are you?]

Soldier 1: [Not yet, I’m afraid. Our paladin and the allied forces are still going strong.]

Keshab lost his smile as he turned to Musa and Abdimalik, who were standing beside the soldier.

Soldier 1: [We managed to take out their leader, but there is still a lot left to complete. These two were told to inform you of everything that has happened.]

King Keshab: [Who gave them the order?]

Soldier 1: [A powerful sorceress that is friends with Queen Ruby.]

King Keshab: [Queen Ruby– WAIT, A SORCERESS?! You’re kidding right?!]

The soldier shook his head. Keshab lowered his head and scratched his scalp.

King Keshab: [I guess I’m relying on the two of you to fill me in, then?]

The king had maids take the dozen soldiers to the infirmary while he took the two Aveay soldiers with him to his office.

While they were there, they did nothing but tell the king everything they knew. Trying their best to articulate what Faith and Ruby had told them, they explained to the best of their ability, even making a few things up to fill in the cracks. In an orderly fashion, the two would take turns telling the king what they knew. Musa started with Ruby regaining her memories, something he had no recollection of, and Abdimalik continued until the point where they took down the dragon tamer.

Although they sounded like madmen yapping, the king seemed intrigued, pulling himself back and resting his feet on the long table.

King Keshab: [This can’t be any good.]

Raising a brow and lowering the other, Musa looked at the king’s perplexed expression with perplexity.

Musa: [What do you mean? We’re winning the war.]

King Keshab: [Winning the war in this case is equivalent to only winning the battle. The Demon Lord is a complicated being, but they were human once. Just like any other human, it has a personal attachment to the things it owns. The Hydra, believe it or not, is its equivalent of having a dog.]

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Abdimalik: [Are you saying that killing the dragon made things worse?]

King Keshab: [I think so. What could’ve started as a simple battle for land isn’t what it was anymore, and I think OJ knows that.]

Standing up from his seat, the king walked around the room with his head facing the ground, a finger wrapped around his chin, and a light scratch on his stubble beard. Musa and Abdimalik turned to each other with worried glares.

King Keshab: [It’s possible that the demon lord has a change of plans and calls off the war with Leviere.]

Abdimalik: [Okay, so what does this have to do with us?]

King Keshab: [I can’t guarantee this, but my belief is absolutely nothing. You two did your job as messengers, so you’re nothing but stupid other-worlders.]

As the king spoke harsh words, the two exchanged narrow-eyed glances. Despite his cruel tone, the king's facial expressions betrayed no ill intentions. However, the two could sense that he was trying to broker a deal, even though they were unfamiliar with the customs of the world they found themselves in. Just as they began to catch on to his intentions, the king wrapped his arms around their shoulders, hovering his head between theirs, and a smirk played on his lips.

King Keshab: [You could report back to the sorceress and slowly return to your previous lives as soldiers for Aveay, or I could teach you guys how to really have fun in this world.]

Musa: [Wh– what are you trying to say?]

Abdimalik: [It’s obvious. He wants to use us against the demon lord.]

King Keshab: [Are you against it?]

Abdimalik: [That depends, your highness. How useful could two dumbass middle schoolers be against the demon lord?]

Musa silently: [Malik! What are you saying?]

Abdimalik whispering: [He needs us, bro! I’m trying to scam something out of it.]

Musa: [He's going to train us to use FUCKING superpowers! Is that not enough?!]

After scoffing at Musa’s statement, Abdimalik turned back to the young king with a smirk across his face. Keshab couldn’t help but smile back after looking at him.

Abdimalik: [We’ll get training and a place to live under Ruby’s command after this war, and we won’t have to fight ever again. So, with powers and no responsibilities, what do you have to offer that she doesn’t?]

King Keshab: [Ah, you’re a negotiator?]

Abdimalik: [I dabble from time to time.]

King Keshab: [That’s fair. How about I give you two a private guild, funded by the kingdom, for you to do whatever you want, whenever you want?]

Musa: [Damn!]

Abdimalik: [Holy shit! You must REALLY want us, huh?!]

Keshab stood up with a shrug, keeping a maniacal grin on his face.

King Keshab: [Is it too much?]

Abdimalik: [A little too good to be true. What are the terms of this agreement?]

King Keshab: [You become Jime citizens, train under Jime jurisdiction, and protect this kingdom until the day of judgment. Leading to that date, you’re to promote other fighters into your private guild, and train them.]

Abdimalik: [Where I’m from, the day of judgement is the day I die. Are you implying the same?]

Without saying anything, the king signaled to the two that what Abdimalik was saying had some truth to it. Musa didn’t want to believe it.

Musa: [So we’re your puppets until the day you’re done with us?]

King Keshab: [That’s one way to put it.]

Abdimalik: [You aren’t being very convincing. What do we have that you want so bad?]

The king turned to Musa, who had been sitting with his arms crossed the entire discussion. Upon noticing his gaze, Musa flinched and fixed his posture, sitting himself upright and clearing his throat.

King Keshab: [The rare art; Spartan’s Rage.]

Musa: [What?]

King Keshab: [The ability to adapt to whatever damage you take. Lost in time due to its unbearable limitation, yet somehow found in you.]

Musa gazed at his open palm in amazement, trying to process the incredible idea that the king had just implanted in his mind. While he may have been disappointed in his inability to fly, the concept of 'Spartan's Rage' was brimming with potential and had him on the edge of his seat. Keshab noticed Musa's intense expression and flashed a knowing grin.

Abdimalik: [Okay… what about me?]

King Keshab: [I have no use for you. A light magic user is as rare as the sunrise every morning.]

Abdimalik: [You’re going to discard me?]

King Keshab: [If Musa has no use for you, neither do I.]

The king’s brutal honesty did hurt the chubby soldier quite a lot, but what he had said about his abilities made him a little more excited. Powers similar to those from a manga he recently picked up; Black Clover, had him brewing with excitement.

No longer interested in Keshab’s offer, Abdimalik attempted to call off their deal, but as if the king had known what was bound to happen, he turned to the skinnier soldier, who was looking back at him with interest.

Musa: [If we’re going to get all the power, does it matter?]

Abdimalik: [The fuck are you saying?]

Musa: [I don’t think that Ruby has what it takes to teach us effectively. Sticking with the king will benefit us way more.]

Abdimalik: [She’s building herself up from the ground, man! We have to invest in her if we want what’s best for us!]

Musa: [Invest?! Are you even listening to yourself?!]

As the two argued, a knock came at the door. Keshab opened it to a butler standing on the other side holding a letter. With a raise of his eyebrows, Keshab lifted the paper from the butler’s hands and slowly read through it.

King Keshab: [… Who gave you this?]

Butler: [Leviere’s goddess, Your Highness.]

King Keshab: [… Shit.]

Closing the letter and throwing it into his inventory, Keshab turned back to the two arguing while covered in sweat. He stepped closer to them, rubbing his hands against his pants and with short breaths. The two were practically pressing each other’s faces together while screaming in the other’s face.

King Keshab: [So, guys, I have bad news!]

Suddenly interrupting them, they both turned to him still furious.

King Keshab: [I’ve gotta go to a meeting with the other kings. While I’m gone, I really need you to come up with a decision.]

Abdimalik: [Why are you sweating your balls off, man?]

King Keshab: [Don’t worry about it, okay? You have until I come back to make up your minds.]

As Keshab made his way back to the door, he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation bubbling within him. He knew what awaited him in the castle courtyard - a small observatory-like room that stood at the center, encased in a white, crystal-like metal. This building served only one purpose - to transport him to the meeting room where he would come face-to-face with the other kings.

As he stepped inside, the overwhelming stench of old dairy hit him, causing him to quickly cover his nose and mouth and run towards the star-inspired base. Keshab wiped the beads of sweat off his forehead and pressed his hands against his thighs, trying to quell the nervousness that was building up inside him. It had been a while since he last met with the other kings, and the thought of it made him anxious.

Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Keshab pressed the purple button in front of him, watching as he pixelated out and was transported to the dark brown room where the meeting was to take place. As he entered, he kept his eyes narrowed and bowed respectfully at the king of Leviere and Princess of Penn in front of him, managing a small smile. King Didus nodded in acknowledgement, and Keshab took a seat in front of his kingdom's flag. He made sure that the crown on the flag stood above his head, a symbol of his authority and power.

As he settled in, Keshab turned his attention to the queen sitting beside the king of Leviere. He couldn't help but notice the familiarity in her gaze.

King Didus: [You sure took your time, Keshab.]

Keshab turned back to King Didus with his brows flinching. They hadn’t seen each other in years, yet he joked about him like they were best friends. To not throw a tantrum in front of the girl, Keshab simple scoffed.

King Keshab: [Shut up, Didus. Don’t embarrass me in front of the princess.]

The princess, her body drenched in sweat, nervously chuckled as she tried to compose herself. Keshab couldn't help but chuckle as she reminded him of himself just a moment ago.

Despite the tense atmosphere, the two kings decided to have a short conversation to catch up with each other. However, the princess, who was sitting beside them, didn't seem to have any input on the case at hand. Keshab found this a little strange, considering the precarious state of her kingdom, but before he could ask her anything about it, a sudden interruption occurred.

A set of pixels suddenly illuminated the room, and a blonde man surrounded by two men dressed in black appeared before them. The sudden arrival of the two men irritated the king of Jime more than he thought it would. One of the men pulled the seat back, and the blonde man took a seat with a smirk on his face and fixed his collar. He seemed to be very confident and self-assured as he looked directly at the tan king sitting across the table.

King Keshab: [Oh look at me, I signed a contract with the South.]

King Devon: [It’s been a while, hasn’t it?]

King Keshab: [Shut your ass up.]

After that, the meeting continued. They had been summoned to pass a judgement on the leader of team Hydra, a group that had caused significant damage to the kingdom. However, Keshab found it strange that they were the ones called upon to make the judgement instead of the kingdom most affected. The person from that kingdom had been silent throughout the meeting and had not contributed much to the discussion. Keshab was curious about Ruby's situation with team Hydra, but Devon seemed eager to leave as soon as possible.

As the meeting progressed, Ruby began to voice her opinion on Heirloom's punishment. Her words resonated with Keshab, and he found himself convinced of her point of view. As Ruby continued to speak, an idea started to form in Keshab's mind.

By the end of the meeting, Keshab had made up his mind. He sided with the king of Leviere to have all the members of team Hydra come to Leviere for their judgement. However, Keshab's intentions were not as straightforward as they appeared. Despite seeing Ruby's despair, he knew what he had to do.

Being the first person to leave the meeting room, Keshab returned to the observatory-shaped room and smiled maniacally. He stepped out of the door and made his way back to the room where he had left the two soldiers.

King Keshab: [There have been a change of plans, soldiers.]

Musa and Abdimalik had each other caught in a chokehold before freezing at the confident king.

King Keshab: [I need Musa trained up by next month. Things are about to get crazy.]