Heildin, Capital City: 936 February 6th, Tuesday, 10:00 AM
Many leaders of their respective countries and organizations have gathered to offer, refuse or withdraw their support for Cerberus as the protector of the border in the Deadlands. Each representative took their positions in the dome shaped conference room decorated with archaic statues and paintings, a red carpet on the floor and a massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Most countries in the Hemel continent remained skeptical about the future of the company and believed the responsibility should fall to a different entity, with many expressing their favor towards Heildin itself. Two of the largest corporations in the continent known as, Hydra and Chimera, stood eager to take control of the Deadlands from Cerberus’ grasp.
Boris Levin, A man of older age and experience who belonged to the Kaldstein’s army. A serious injury to his lower body caused him a medical discharge, to which he proceeded to found Hydra right after. A large tech company that began focusing its efforts in the development of advanced weaponry.
“We shouldn’t forget the time Cerberus allowed the specters to breach the walls and break out of the Deadlands,” Boris stood up and slammed his hands on the desk. “Perhaps the damage was insignificant at the time, but who is to say it won’t happen again in a larger scale.” he expressed his doubts while directing his smug stare towards Arwen. “Allow me to control the Deadlands and I will show you the results of our research and technological advances over the years.”
On the other side of the room, Sara Endel. A woman with short red hair and a brilliant virologist who founded the company known as, Chimera, an extremely successful pharmaceutical entity that operates all over the continent and has recently found its way to the empire. She expressed her ambition to take the lead in the fight against the specters, proposing a different solution from Boris.
“I don’t believe we should be sending our future generation to fight what we know is an impossible war,” she calmly announced. “Humanity is incapable of matching the strength of the specters on its own, finding a way to beat them without relying on brute force should be our priority,” she remained seated with a concealed expression during her statement. “Chimera offers this solution, allows us to take over the Deadlands and we will find the best solution to the specter problem.”
The conference continued with every person in the meeting presenting their point of view on the situation, some remained loyal and hopeful for Cerberus’ future, while others expressed their skepticism and lack of trust towards it. The hours passed and Arwen fought to keep Cerberus as the sole guardian of the Deadlands, using the evidence at hand to prove that the company was heading in the right direction.
“As you all know, we’ve recently succeeded in the destruction of one of the belfries within the region; a feat no one else has been able to achieve,” Arwen stated. “Nobody has more experience in fighting specters like Cerberus does, changing hands now will only bring the loss of progress made over the years.” he claimed while calmly scouring at a pile of documents sitting on his desk, “we no longer have the luxury to restart our efforts and repeat the same mistakes of the past, the specters grow stronger with time and we have already established an efficient strategy to combat them.”
He presented the picture of a specter inside the Deadlands, a colossal creature the size of a building which was showcased through a large screen at the end of the room. Standing at about 15 meters (ft 49’2) tall, the monster in the photo was identified as, Wendigo. A lambda level threat in Cerberus’ rankings, ten places above the weakest alpha threats. Its frightening glowing crimson eyes from its deer skull head staring directly into the camera from a distance.
“Cerberus encountered this specter last year and attempted to exterminate it with the help of both Hydra and Chimera,” Arwen proceeded, putting the picture down. “An operation led by captain Viktoria Engel and organized by the heads of the three companies.”
“That operation was a total failure for all of us, Mr. Rhys,” Sara interjected with a slightly bothered tone. “Humans do not have the power to stop such a monster; our best bet is to study it and find a weak point we can exploit, something your company is not interested in it seems.”
“The operation was a failure; you are correct,” Arwen lifted his head from the documents on his desk to look at at present representatives. “But that failure will be yours to carry, as I was not part of the company back then.” He asserted, "what I bring is something you've never seen before now."
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
A few glances were thrown around by the present members of the meeting, the room began to fill with whispers and privy discussions between the representatives.
“We can deal with this creature on our own,” Arwen continued, directing his words at every individual in the room with unmitigated confidence. “Give Cerberus total control over the Deadlands and I guarantee you the destruction of this specter.”
Chaos broke loose after hearing such an absurd statement, most attendants believed Arwen to have lost his mind and others shrugged it off as a desperate attempt to garner support. With the first belfry destroyed however, many wondered about the possible legitimacy of his words.
“Enough with this spectacle, your company has had its chance!” Boris erupted. “Hydra has developed a new prototype for mechanical soldiers that can operate within the Deadlands.” He smiled confidently, “an improved version of the automated dummy’s that Cerberus themselves utilizes. Give us the funds and we can begin their production immediately.” Boris moves his eyes between representatives, looking for approval.
“Forgive my bluntness,” Arwen responded while fixing his glasses. “But your deficient methods have already proved to be too costly and inefficient against the specters, all I’m asking is that you allow me to do my job.”
“Enough,” king Date’s representative interrupted with his soft and even-tempered voice, bringing order back to the room. Having missed his own conference, the king provided one of his most trusted retainers to attend in his absence. The man has long blonde hair with a peaceful air to him, a delicate complexion that gives his appearance a feel of sanctity with his tranquil azure eyes.
“Cerberus has had impressive results from the moment their new CEO stepped in office,” He stated. “Our king wishes to see this person in action and has decided to offer his support to Cerberus,” the man expressed the wishes of his king.
Being highly respected all over the world, king Date’s words hold a lot of influence with all attendees in the room. Holding the strongest army in the continent and over half of the land, the king has established himself as a critical figure in Hemel.
Boris scoffed at his statement, “Hydra has the firepower to deal with them, Cerberus has done nothing but burn resources over the years!” He snapped.
Discussions continued and support for Cerberus grew by the minute thanks to the king's support, Arwen answered every question and cleared every doubt from different members of the meeting as best as he could. After a long debate on how to handle the situation, all attendees came to a single conclusion.
“Arwen, you will be given one last chance to prove Cerberus is the answer to humanity’s greatest threat.” King Date’s representative spoke. “Your task is to eliminate the specter known as, Wendigo, within a month. Failure to do so will result in your withdrawal from the Deadlands and the company’s termination.”
Kaldstein, Yeon’s room: 936, February 6th, Tuesday, 10:00 PM
A well-organized bedroom with violet walls, a beautifully crafted wooden wardrobe and desk with a black office chair and a fur carpet beside the bed. A phone rested in Yeon’s empty desk as she lied in her bed with a book in hand titled, ‘How to deal with a lady’s man.’
“How’s my favorite employee doing?” A man’s voice sang through the phone.
“I’m hanging up.” She claimed without a hint of humor.
“No wait!” the voice hurriedly tried to stop her. “Geez... do you know if she’s made it yet?” the man asked cheerfully.
“If my data is correct, then yes, she should’ve arrived by now.” Yeon answered as she continued reading her book. “I assume you want me to deal with it?”
“No, I got it covered.” The man stated confidently between a quick chuckle, “Although isn’t travel by sea a little too inefficient? We have plains now, don’t we?” His playful voice came through the phone.
“Not funny, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Yeon blankly stated, cutting communications.
???: 936, February 6th, Tuesday, 10:00 PM
Darkness concealed the living room decorated with plants and flowers placed all over the floor and walls, with only the silvery light of the moon providing a ray of light through the glass windows. A fancy coffee table placed at the center with a picture frame and a cellphone resting on top. In front of the table, a man sat on a small red couch, his appearance cloaked by the obscured environment.
The phone rang and the name ‘Jacob Foley’ appeared on screen.
“How are things going on your end?” The man asked casually, answering the call.
“Plenty of candidates wish to take control over the Deadlands, more than I anticipated in fact,” Jacob explained with the same familiarity as he proceeded to clear his throat. “King Date expressed his support for Cerberus as well... Sovereign.”
“I see…” Sovereign grinned with amusement, his head resting on his fist. “Think nothing of it, everything is going exactly as we planned.” Ending the call, he stood up from his couch and took his phone; placing a delicate white flower on top of the desk.
END OF CHAPTER