Cooperation (2)

Lysandra, her mind a whirlwind of questions and doubts, decided to probe the masked figure further. "You speak of cooperation and schemes, but you haven't revealed your true identity or your objectives. How can I trust you in this intricate game?"

The masked figure leaned in slightly, their voice a low, conspiratorial whisper. "Trust is indeed a rare and precious commodity in our world, Princess Lysandra. But consider this: our goals align for now. We both have something to gain from this arrangement, and we both have much to lose if we don't act swiftly and decisively."

Lysandra nodded, conceding the point. "Very well, for now, I'll cooperate. But know this—I'll be watching, and I won't be a pawn in anyone's game. If your intentions turn against the well-being of my kingdom or my people, I won't hesitate to act."

The masked figure chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in their voice. "Spoken like a true Veridora. Rest assured, Princess, that my intentions are not against your kingdom or its people. In fact, our actions might serve to protect them."

As they continued their conversation, Lysandra couldn't help but wonder about the masked figure's true identity. Who were they, and what role did they play in the intricate tapestry of their world? The chamber's ancient walls seemed to echo with the weight of secrets yet to be unveiled, and Lysandra knew that her journey into this clandestine realm was only just beginning.

--

The border of Sina Kingdom stood as a formidable testament to its might among the four great kingdoms. The landscape was a breathtaking fusion of natural beauty and architectural grandeur. Towering mountains, cloaked in emerald forests, framed the kingdom's borders. Crystal-clear rivers meandered through fertile valleys, nourishing the land and the people.

At the border's heart was a magnificent palace, a symbol of Sina's wealth and power. Its walls were made of polished marble that gleamed in the sunlight, and the spires that reached towards the sky were adorned with intricate, golden filigree. Guards dressed in royal regalia stood sentinel, their armor gleaming as they protected their homeland.

Within the palace's grand chamber, Prince Elian of Veridora awaited impatiently. He was adorned in attire that befitted his royal status—a resplendent cloak made of deep green silk, embroidered with threads of gold that shimmered like the leaves of ancient trees. His tunic and trousers were of the same regal green hue, and a silver diadem rested atop his dark hair, signifying his royal lineage.

"When will the culpit meet us?" Elian grumbled, his impatience evident in his voice.

Commander Zilan, a high-ranking officer of Veridora's first squadron, approached the prince with a solemn expression. "a moment your highness," he reported. He had brought nearly a hundred peak level 4 strongmen, ready to enforce the kingdom's will.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the chamber, and a screen materialized, displaying the masked figure who had orchestrated the kidnapping.

"Welcome, welcome," the masked figure greeted with an eerie calmness. "do you bring my demand?"

"1 Billion Zerri and a heavenly artifact your greedy bastard," Elian roared, his anger palpable.

The masked man simply smirked, his eyes concealed by his enigmatic mask. "Well it's not greedy, I hold your Saintes, don't you think?" masked man smirk

"who are you, and what are your purpose to kidnap the saintess?"

"of course to send it to tual kingdom"

"you dare?"

"Why wouldn't I dare," the masked man chuckled. "Your saintess is worth at least 5 billion zerris, and Tual Kingdom is more than capable of paying."

Elian's aura flared, a manifestation of his royal power. It crackled through the room, causing minor destruction, but the masked man remained unfazed.

"Stop it, you spoiled brat," the masked man warned. "You have nothing to threaten me with."

Elian reluctantly ceased his outburst. "Give the saintess back."

"Well, yes," the masked man replied calmly. "After you send my demands."

Elian presented a ring that held 1 billion zerris and a heavenly artifact. "Glad to do business with you, Prince."

"Where is the saintess?" Elian demanded.

"You will know soon," the masked man said cryptically, and with that, he vanished.

"Damn you, liar!" Elian seethed.

Suddenly, Lysandra appeared, her eyes filled with tears. "Prince!"

"Lysandra, are you okay?" Elian rushed to her side.

"How could I be okay? This Sina Kingdom dared to kidnap me!" Lysandra exclaimed, her anger and fear palpable.

Lysandra, still trembling from the ordeal, settled into a nearby chair and took a deep breath before recounting her harrowing experience:

"You won't believe the horrors I've endured, Prince Elian. Those malevolent souls from Sina Kingdom kept me imprisoned in a dimly lit chamber, shrouded in eerie silence and shadows that seemed to whisper with malice. They subjected me to meager meals, serving tasteless porridge that barely sustained me. The only semblance of luxury was a threadbare blanket that offered little protection against the chilling nights."

Elian's fists clenched, his fury simmering as he absorbed her words.

"They relentlessly interrogated me, demanding secrets and information about the inner workings of our beloved Veridora. They believed I held the key to our kingdom's treasures, but I endured their relentless questioning, never revealing a single precious detail."

Elian admired Lysandra's unwavering loyalty to their homeland. His determination to bring her tormentors to justice grew stronger with each word.

"And then," Lysandra's voice trembled, "they resorted to threats. They warned me that harm would befall me if Veridora did not comply with their exorbitant demands. They insisted on an outrageous sum of money and a heavenly artifact, claiming they already had a buyer waiting in the shadowy corners of Tual Kingdom."

Elian's anger blazed brighter. "Rest assured, Lysandra, we shall free you from these malefactors and ensure that no one dares to harm you again."

Lysandra nodded, her eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope. "Thank you, Prince. I knew I could place my trust in you."

With an unwavering resolve in his heart, Elian vowed to make those responsible for her suffering face the consequences of their malevolent deeds.

In the heart of the bustling Polimec Kingdom, nestled among elegant residences and grand estates, lay Arthur's magnificent home. The structure was a testament to architectural splendor, a three-story mansion of pristine white marble adorned with ivy that danced along the walls like nature reclaiming its territory.

The grand entrance, guarded by imposing stone lions, led to a spacious foyer with a sparkling crystal chandelier that hung like a constellation of stars. Elaborate frescoes graced the ceiling, depicting scenes of mythical heroes and epic battles. A sweeping marble staircase with a plush red carpet spiraled upwards, beckoning guests to explore the upper levels.

Diaz's room was a testament to his fascination with dragons. The decor was nothing short of awe-inspiring, resembling the lair of a dragon itself.

The walls were adorned with intricate murals depicting epic battles between knights and dragons, each stroke of paint capturing the ferocity of the combatants. Sculpted dragon heads served as sconces, their fiery eyes casting an eerie, crimson glow throughout the room. The floor was covered in plush, deep green carpets that resembled a dragon's scales.

In one corner of the room stood a massive, obsidian-black bookshelf, filled with tomes on dragons, ancient legends, and tales of epic quests. A life-sized dragon skull, its teeth as sharp as daggers, served as a centerpiece on a polished wooden table.

Diaz's bed was no ordinary piece of furniture. It was designed to resemble a dragon's nest, complete with dark, scaled patterns on the sheets. The headboard bore the intricate carvings of dragon wings, ready to take flight.

A dragon's egg, a carefully crafted replica, rested on a pedestal in the room's center. The egg emitted a soft, pulsating light, creating a mesmerizing ambiance that bathed the room in a warm, golden hue.

The room was Diaz's sanctuary, a place where he could immerse himself in the world of dragons, plotting his schemes, and weaving the threads of his ambitions. It was a space where he felt the closest connection to the mythical creatures that had always fascinated him.

As for Diaz, after the conversation with Lysandra, his mind was already scheming. A billion zerries and a heavenly artifact would significantly bolster his resources. His thoughts raced with the possibilities, the investments he could make, and the power he could amass to achieve his grand ambitions.

"1 Billion?, Not bad, next Academy life, shall we"

But for now, he had to contend with an unexpected meeting with his father, a man he regarded with disdain. Diaz couldn't help but wonder if this encounter would lead to another layer of his intricate plans.

Suddenly, a maid konocking the door

"Your highness, your father requests your presence," the maid informed Diaz. She was a charming young woman with golden blonde hair and a demeanor as refined as her appearance.

Diaz rolled his eyes, his disdain for his father well-known. "My cheap father?" he muttered under his breath. "To think I'll have to see that man as soon as I return."

The maid maintained her professional composure, concealing any amusement she might have felt at Diaz's remark. "Shall I inform him that you'll be coming, Your Highness?"

Diaz sighed dramatically, playing up the role of the exasperated son. "Don't remind me. But I suppose I have to go."

As he prepared to meet his father, his mind was already racing with thoughts of how to maximize the fortune he was about to acquire.