[AMALOT EMPIRE, CASTLE AMALOT]
[Same Night]
“Well, well, well… General Valyrio in person.”
“Chief Counselor Dorne.
Step aside, I have urgent business to discuss with the Emperor.” The General said avoiding all pleasantries.
The two men greeted each other coldly outside of the emperor’s private chambers late into the night.
“I’m afraid the emperor is currently occupied with company…they are attending to his many, many needs.” The counselor said with a suggestive smile.
The sound of four of five different women could be heard from outside the emperor’s chamber.
Some women were giggling and laughing, others were moaning loudly.
“Why do you insist on corrupting our Liege with this filth?
As Emperor he is supposed to be above the temptations of the flesh.” The General said angered by the appalling situation that was becoming more common.
“Our Liege is beyond such trivialities.
He is the emperor, as such he is not bound by silly notions such as honor and justice.” The counselor said as he peeped through the key hole.
“You are a parasite.
One that I have longed to end.” The General said sternly as he prepared to take his leave.
“A parasite perhaps, but a useful one.
Unlike you… General Valyrio.
You’ve grown old and feeble…you are no longer the warrior or the man you used to be.
Soon the emperor will realize this and put you where you belong…in the dirt.”
[…]
[REVERIN]
[Next Morning]
All the officers and captains of Scavengers guild gathered in the great hall of Castle Reverin.
Arthos sat at the head of the table, to his right sat Kristan as Vice guild-master, to his left sat Wain as Master of Coin (Treasurer).
Arthos stood up and looked around the table, gathered there were the original founders, the shopkeeper, along with 10 captains.
The captains were senior members of Scavengers guild, trustworthy, powerful, and capable leaders.
“Friends and family, it’s good to see you all.
We have much to discuss today.
Our agenda is as follows:
Status update on guild operations, Status update on Reverin village…well if it still qualifies as a village, ICC Trial update, Special mission by King Isandor, and One last minute special mission
Let’s get started.
Bala, give us an update on guild operations in the Americas.”
Bala was also an orphan from the Last Stop Orphanage and was the first to join after Neva and Kay.
A veteran of three years, he was a high performing member in Paragon guild but was repeatedly passed up for promotions due to his low social status.
Without hesitation, he promptly left the security and high compensation from one of the most prestigious guilds to join the newly formed Scavengers guild.
“We are behind schedule.
It’s the dungeons’ size…enormous is not the right word to describe them.
They are beyond enormous!
In my three years, I have never seen so many monsters in one dungeon.
The Zebra dungeon alone has kept us busy for over a month.
We have been deploying 80 strike teams every day to explore and clear the dungeon along with 20 teams to guard the miners and collectors…even with all that manpower, it’s just too big.”
“Africa-Europe squads are doing worse,” Zamira said gravely.
She was a talented and beautiful warrior from Nigeria, exceptionally skilled with a lance.
As the Scavengers guild grew, the founders decided it was best to separate all members into three groups based on their time zones, Americas, Africa-Europe, and Asia.
Zamira led the Africa-Europe teams with the help of a few other captains and dozens of lieutenants.
That only leaves 57 teams for other dungeons.
I’m afraid we haven’t made much progress.
We need more heroes.”
The other 9 captains nodded their heads in agreement.
“Thank you, Zamira and Bala, for your hard work.
Please be sure to let your lieutenants and teams know that we appreciate their hard work.
We hope to demonstrate our appreciation with a sizeable bonus by the end of the month.
Ren, how are the heroes from Asia doing?”
“Sir, first allow me to thank you for promoting me to captain.
I feel unworthy of this post.
Also, thank you for trusting me with the truth.
I was excited to have a private dinner with Kristan, Nevariel Arden, and Wain in Tokyo.
When they told me the truth…that Avalor was real, I didn’t believe them.
It’s only after they showed me a mana crystal that I accepted the truth.”
“Yeah, it was hard for all of us too.”
“I think I fainted.”
“Me too.”
A stew of voices mixed together as other officers and captains shared their reactions upon learning the truth about Avalor.
“Anyway, of the 334 strike-teams, we have deployed 120 to the Zebra dungeon.
The other teams have been handling other dungeons.
No casualties so far.
We did encounter a dungeon southeast of here that you may want to see yourself…it’s full of horse bones.
Many look recent.”
“The dragon.” Wain said softly.
A ripple of murmurs and soft voices was heard in the great hall.
“Good job Ren.
We have reason to believe there is a dragon nearby.
For now, keep our heroes away from the dragon dungeon…I will handle that one personally.” Arthos said with authority.
“Second topic, how are we doing with Reverin construction?
Any obstacles or hurdles we should be worried about?” Arthos asked as he shifted his focus to the shopkeeper.
“Firstly, welcome back my lord.
Second, the population here in Reverin is now more than 50,000.
As such, it is now considered a township and requires we designate a mayor.
That aside, the town walls are behind schedule on account of the dragon attacking our granite mining and hauling teams.
In terms of planning, during the next 3 months we expect to complete 1,000 family homes along with hundreds of shops and buildings.” The shopkeeper said with a cheerful smile.
He added, “my assistant Pompy has been overseeing our operations in Avalor city.
I think it wise that we continue to have even a small presence in the city.”
“Very good, and yes, I agree.
Thank you for your hard work on this.
The fourth item on our agenda, how are we doing on the upcoming court case with the ICC?”
Neva answered confidently, “the hearing is scheduled to take place in the New York, in three weeks.
Our legal team has been working tirelessly for the last three months and has prepared an ironclad case.
We expect the court will rule in our favor.
With a favorable ruling, Alliance Corp., the legal entity setup by the Scavengers guild, will have legal rights to mine, extract, transport, and sell mana crystals and other resources in the open market back on earth…this basically means independence from NAVA.”
Our biggest problem is Article 32 of the founder’s agreement which deals with operational support fees.
Under this Article, we will likely be imposed a tariff or toll for using NAVA’s gate.”
Neva nodded and added, “unfortunately, there is no getting around that.
We are preparing arguments to settle on a reasonable amount.”
“Thank you both…all that stuff is beyond my grasp.
I trust your good judgment on this matter.
Next on the agenda is a special mission by King Isandor.” Arthos said as he resumed control of the meeting.
The room groaned loudly…like a class full of high school seniors assigned homework the night before graduation.
The captains were neck-deep in missions from the King of Camarax…these missions often appeared cool and exciting but often resulted in epic size adventures with endless waves of monsters…and many tiresome days of intense fighting.
“I know you are at your limits with missions from the King.
The officers here plan to spend the week helping clear the Zebra dungeon and catch-up on other missions.
Before you throw in the towel, listen to this…the mission is actually from the Queen of Baleon… Queen Dunari has asked for our help.”
The room perked up with excitement.
Baleon remained a mystery and was off-limits to all outsiders.
Being given the opportunity to meet with and help the people of Baleon was a rare honor and opportunity.
“As you know, the Kingdom of Baleon has remained shut to the outside world.
However, they have been struggling with monsters from a nearby dungeon and have requested our aid.
If all goes well, this could be beginning of a fruitful relationship.” Arthos said proudly.
“What’s the timeline for this mission?” Percy asked.
As head of the shadows, he would need to plan carefully.
“We are scheduled to meet in five weeks along the border of Avalon and Baleon.
This brings up one last semi-urgent mission request…this one comes from Murai the guild-master of the Executioners guild.”
The room went silent, and the captains’ jaws dropped.
“Wait?
What?” A blur of voices said speaking over each other.
“You can’t be serious…they are a bunch of murders and thieves.
This smells like a trap.” Bala said in an agitated tone.
He had experienced firsthand the barbaric nature of the Executioners guild during the early years of Avalor’s release.
“Maybe…maybe not.
I’ve known Murai for a long time.
She sounded genuinely concerned.
I think this mission deserves serious consideration.” Percy replied, slightly calming the nerves in the room.
“I agree…but I also agree with Bala.
For that reason, I will not ask anyone to risk their lives on this mission.
The mission will be open to volunteers…but I decided to accept this mission and go personally.” Arthos said to the group.
“Me too,” Percy added.
“I’m in too.” Hector and Kay responded at the same time.
“You can’t go without us brother.” Kristan and Wain said together.
“I’ve known Murai for a long time.
She is quirky and whimsical but has good instincts.
I feel that she is after something important.
I would like to go too.” Neva added.
“It’s settled then.
We will spend this week helping the guild clear out the Zebra dungeon and catch-up on other contracts.
Next week we leave for Avalor to meet with Executioners guild.
While we are there, we will handle permits and contracts with the Guild and Dungeon Registration Office and check on Pompy for supplies.” Arthos said ending the meeting.