A man with wrinkles on his face was sitting in a cross-legged position inside what looked like a cave, he looked in his 50s, however, even after that, his build was muscular and the energy radiating from this man was fearsome. He had black-white hair, brown eyes, thin eyebrows, and an overall well-structured face. Even though he looked old, he still looked quite handsome.

*Rustle* *Rustle* *Rustle*

"Huh?"

The man opened his eyes and frowned. He glanced outside the cave and his frown deepened,

"It is still afternoon, no beast should come near this area at this time. Humans? Is it another search party?"

The man's face turned grim.

This was a problem.

He had just eradicated a Search Party sent by the Woods a few days ago, for another party to be here again, it was definitely not a good sign.

'Did they realize that the one who killed the search party was not the beast but me? Did I not completely eradicate the party?'

The man thought inwardly, soon, however, he shook his head, denying his own reasoning.

'This is not possible, I did not detect anyone. There is no way they would send someone who can escape from my detection here. But then why is another search party here?'

The man started thinking again.

*Rustle* *Rustle* *Rustle*

Soon, however, he heard the voice again,

'Whatever. I just need to kill all of them again.'

A cold glint shone in the man's eyes, he quickly walked out of his cave and rushed to the direction he heard the sound from.

Rather than a Search Party consisting of around 100 people like he expected, the man only found a single man walking towards his cave. The man wore green clothes that would help him avoid many beasts on his way here, there was a particular insignia embedded on the man's clothes, an insignia that the old man realized very well.

The old man appeared in front of the man.

The man was surprised at first, however, soon, he recollected himself and knelt.

"Lord Herms."

The man greeted.

The old man, or Herms Lizander nodded and then questioned,

"Why are you here?"

"We received a letter from the Woods Dynasty 2 days ago. The King wants you to see the letter." The man did not waste any time and quickly passed the letter to Herms.

Herms started reading the letter and after he was done reading, a solemn look appeared on his face,

"An Emperors' Meet? Right now?" Content is © by .

A frown appeared on his face. Soon, however, his face turned expressionless again and he turned toward the servant,

"You can leave now."

The servant nodded and walked away.

After the servant was out of sight, Herms disappeared as well.

He was rushing towards the Royal Palace.

…

A few hours later, inside the Royal Palace of the Solid Earth Kingdom, Herms walked into a particular room where a black-haired man was cultivating.

Sensing his presence, the man opened his eyes.

Just like Herms, this man had Black colored hair, however, his eye color was different from Herms, he had green-colored eyes, a thin nose, and an attractive face.

"Father, I have been expecting you."

The man spoke with a smile on his face. He was Herms son, Roone Lizander.

Herms nodded and then questioned,

"What's with this Emperors' Meet? What happened?"

Roone, however, shook his head, "I do not know, it seems that the Woods are suspicious of us."

Herms frowned.

Roone's smile then widened as he spoke,

"Phase one has failed father, I believe it is now time to directly start Phase two. We should not waste any more time."

He looked rather delighted when he said those words.

"Silence."

Herms raised his voice.

"Do not be impatient, not everything is ruined yet. Everything seed needs time to sprout, give it some time.

For now, ignore this letter, we will delay it for as long as it is possible, I'll personally meet Amletus and discuss our next move."

Herms spoke.

"We cannot do that, father."

Roone, however, shook his head.

"What do you mean?"

"Both the Skadi Kingdom and the Skyfall Kingdom have agreed to the meeting, according to the rules, if 3 out of 4 Nations agree to the Emperors' Meet, the 4th Nation has to agree to it as well and have to give out their reply within 2 days.

I was forced to agree to the Meeting as well."

Saying all that, a letter appeared on Roone's hands and he passed it to Herms,

"The Meet's date has already been decided, it is exactly a week later."

Herms took the letter and his face turned solemn.

"Not every seed sprouts, father. It is pointless to plan any further."

"Why did that Amletus bastard agree?" Herms questioned.

"I do not know, maybe he decided to betray us? I expected nothing less from a coward like him though. Since he saw that the First Phase has failed, he thought that it would be a tough fight so decided to act ignorant and stay out of it."

Roone just shrugged.

"He cannot do that."

Herms, however, shook his head.

"C'mon father, are you really putting your trust in a coward like him?" Roone couldn't help but question.

"I trust him because he is a coward. No matter what happens, he won't dare to betray us. He knows what would happen if he does.

Something is wrong here."

Herms replied.

"Father."

Suddenly, Roone called.

Herms glanced at his son and Roone continued,

"It doesn't matter. Whatever that idiot is thinking, I do not care, let's just go and hear what that Alcimus idiot has to say. If it is something manageable, we will continue with Phase one, if he makes it impossible to do so, then we will shift to Phase two, it is as simple as that.

We do not have to overcomplicate anything.

Remember, we are the stronger ones here."

Herms narrowed his eyes and after thinking for a while, he ordered,

"Alright."

Roone smiled.

"However," Herms suddenly pointed at Roone and ordered,

"You are not going with me."

"Why?"

"You already know it.

You are my trump card. There is no way I would allow you to reveal yourself so quickly."