Diplomacy or Force

"Ahh, I truly never expected for the higher ups of [Preeliance] to easily notice my status. For future reference, may I ask how you found out?" Claude focused his gaze towards Serkyrio before he allowed them inside, prompting him to answer the question. "Your name kind of gave it away, the surname translates to [Hero] just like the other heroes after all, except that it's a little shortened." Serkyrio's thought process quickly realized that the person's name was a shortened version of a Chinese translation of hero which is [Yīngxióng]. "Aside from that, any higher up of Preeliance can sense it that easily." Serkyrio glanced over towards the joining members. He didn't check on the [Brilliant Guardians] as he already knew that they didn't notice. "Arlesk, when you return to the castle, take a book from my office. Use it as a new training regime for your Guardians." While facing the hero, Serkyrio gave orders towards Arlesk to train his order more. The two guardians were feeling apologetic while they were comforted by the two sentinels. "Let's not waste time here, we came after my scout team has found a disturbing issue." Claude's expression changed as he realized the seriousness Serkyrio showed towards him. He immediately guided the group towards a meeting room.

"So it truly is the Otherworldly Emperor of Preeliance..." A tall person with black hair and eyes colored like the deep darkness entered the room along with the hero. "It truly is an honor to meet you, Emperor Serkyrio Kaiser Preeliance." The young man bowed lightly and quickly took the seat that was facing the entire table. "I've heard of your great deeds as well, Head Senator William L'argent." Draxus twitched in reaction as he heard the surname of the person who entered. Head Senator William L'argent was somebody who got Serkyrio's attention due to being a major patron of the goods that were developed in Preeliance. But what truly interested him was that he was the wisest merchant in the history of Polytopia. He was elected as the head of the government and became the leader of the country. An amazing merchant getting interested in otherworldly trinkets or entertainment tools was something Serkyrio intended to do to catch the country into the alliance.

They quickly went on with the greetings and introductions, trying to save time before the inevitable invasion occurs. Serkyrio remained sharp as he explained the gist of the report he got. This quickly caused both the Head Senator, and the [Hero of Equity] to widen their eyes of the sudden arrival of the situation. "What's more, the total demons we're seeing is about ten to twenty thousand." With Serkyrio's words completely taking over the meeting, the Head Senator and the Hero weren't able to think clearly. "Claude... How many do you think you can hold off...?" The Head Senator glanced over to the Hero and tried to confirm something. "Even with the [Hero's card]... I doubt I would be able to hold off too many at once... Maybe a thousand, or two thousand at best." Realizing that the country will not hold for long, the Head Senator stood up thinking about evacuation immediately. "Hold up Head Senator, I understand that you have to prioritize the safety of the people but I have yet to reveal the reason as to why I'm here." Just before the Head Senator left the room, he moved his gaze towards Serkyrio who seemed to have an idea on what to do. Even if he knew about Serkyrio's prowess, he reluctantly returned to his seat.

"Now, I've come to this country along with my archons to resolve this problem, but in return we will simply make a proposal." The Head Senator narrowed his eyes as he felt that his country's economy could potentially be sucked dry. Since Serkyrio had already anticipated that reaction, he waited for the Head Senator's to ask some questions first. "Before I listen to the proposal, how will you hold off the twenty thousand demons? I've heard that you guys annihilated four armies with four separate parties, but demons are entirely different than humans." Demons can in fact summon monsters which will skyrocket the number of enemies, making it completely impossible to repel with a normal army. Serkyrio simply smiled as he began to explain the methods he will use.

"First of all, the scout team has found three choke points that lead to the entrance of the city from the shoreline. We'll be sending a total of seven hundred men from each member from the [Tranquil Harmony] to hold off these three points. Two points will have a representative to guide the armies. In those two sides, each will have a member of the Scout team, Sentinel, and a Guardian taking the front line. Those two sides will be held by three hundred men due to the size of the choke point. While I myself will hold off the central entrance along with a hundred men. Well, not like they'll easily get a turn anyways." With a short bit of arrogant thinking, they immediately thought that Serkyrio was too crazy for even sacrificing himself. "W-What about the archons...?" The Hero nervously asked on what the archons will be assigned for. "They'll be on standby and act on the situation. Then the rest of you can go help with the temporary evacuation, just don't stay near the shoreline though." Some members that aren't from the Preeliance group didn't sound greatly happy with how the plan was laid out, thus they thought about complaining about the archons being scared or weak to make a move. At that point, the three archons closed their eyes and covered their ears in preparation, to see no danger, to hear no danger, and to feel no danger. "Got a complaint with my plans? Then speak up with a better one." Black air flew through the entire room, silencing every guard that was watching the conversation, along with the Head Senator and the Hero.

"Let me spell it out for you runts. The reason why I require the archons to standby is that, there is potential of invasion in other areas as well. You think I would simply allow things to go out of control? Then quit yapping." Serkyrio glanced over to the hero and started to think about something. "Claude Ying, do you have battle experience?" With a short question, they already knew what Serkyrio was about to throw into the pot. With the sheer amount of killing intent still in place, the hero frantically nodded and explained a little bit. "W-Well, I have fought with other heroes, and survived... And I have faced against armies before as well... B-But may I ask what you are implying?" Serkyrio closed his eyes and dispelled his atmosphere, causing everyone in the room to breathe a sigh of relief. "Arlesk Finlay, Claude Ying, duel before me. Head Senator, prepare an arena if you would." Serkyrio had enough with the doubtful behavior where they think they know everything. Thus, enforcing Arlesk Finlay and the hero to fight in the arena.

Preparations were quickly made as the gladiator arena was immediately reserved. Tickets to seats were instantly sold out as part of the population thought that the hero is going to fight against something and win. And thus, a beautiful battle was hosted in the grand gladiator arena of the country of Polytopia.