181 Council of Sicarius Masters
"Halkgon, you daft fucking High Dwarf!
How many times have I told you to not go rogue when selling goods here!!
Especially after the border opened up for trade to begin with the Trika Empire and further on.
I've already got reports of Adventurers finding weapons with Epic Grade ratings when they come across those fucking chests you installed within those bloody dungeons!!" Levas shouted at Halkgon out of frustration.
Currently in a meeting with Rahzil and the spawned 10 Sages of the Goraken Empire, Levas found himself leading the enquiry into the behaviour of the Dwarven Smiths after they moved over to the Vaadan Region from the Space Ark.
Halkgon appeared in the meeting through Hologram because he remained within the Space Ark, however he never expected that the Dwarves and High Dwarves were being criticised for such a small matter.
Before he could retort back at Levas, the Minister of Defence for the Vaadan Region, Julius decided to intervene and call out his friend for the poor choice of words.
"Levas… calm yourself.
I understand your annoyed, but this can be dealt with through the assistance of the Adventurer Guild.
It might seem like a problem now, but with the Vaadan Guards around, none of the Adventurers dare to step out of line."
Julius believed the Android Guards were strong enough to stop any Adventurers from stepping out of line, however Levas believed it was only time before the Adventurers found a weapon that would be capable to crush the Guards.
He wasn't alone to think that, with Hugh, the Guildmaster of the Adventurer Guild also worried about the problematic issues as a result of the weapons created by the Dwarven Smiths.
"Actually… Master Julius, I agree with Minister Levas.
I've already seen reports of Adventurers being attacked by after they've discovered weapons and armour forged by Dwarves.
So far, the Sicarius Clan has easily managed the few issues that've appeared here and there but it's just a matter of time before the first major incident occurs."
Hugh's comments left everyone reeling back in their seat, including Halkgon, who was utterly surprised by the number of reports when the information was sent through to the HUD System of the Prime-Watch.
It was the latest offering from the Space Ark that incorporated Dwarven and Elven Smithing techniques along with modern elements.
.
"I agree with Guild Master Hugh.
Reports have clearly shown the problematic issue of making such exquisite weapons available to the general public.
The worst incident has to be the team of former Adventurers who thought they could attack a convoy of the Ark Bank that was travelling to Swinford.
Two dozen Adventurers were cut down by the Sicarius Clansmen only to discover their equipment was all made by Dwarven Smiths.
Some of the items were reported stolen to the Guild and Government Office, but until the Adventurers conducted their little raid attack, the Police Guard hadn't discovered anything." said the man previously known as the Ward of the Trika Empire.
Vilton Howard became part of the Council of Sicarius Masters that oversaw the Vaadan Region after Esmond took over the Deep North.
He didn't miss the old title of Baron after siding with Esmond, who had the keys to worlds beyond their native Stovi.
However, this also meant the responsibility on his shoulders also increased dramatically.
Vilton saw the need for the Smiths to be managed by a governing body that would deem the weapon acceptable or not for sale to the public.
"I hear ya gentlemen, but if I ask my Smiths to withhold their efforts from crafting powerful weapons, then I might as well tell them to not work at all."
"Halkgon we're not asking the Dwarves to stop smithing but rather they sell their work to the Space Ark or Government over the Adventurers, especially if they create items graded Rare and above.
Mortal and below is fine for sale with the odd few Rare and Epic Grade items being stored in chests within the Spatial Dungeons created in the claimed territory by the Wicked Grove." Carleston Byrde said, before looking over at Isabelle for some answers.
Carleston knew that she was the real power that oversaw the entire Vaadan Region and someone who couldn't be rivalled when it came to strength.
"Does Lady Isabelle have anything to add?" He said, hoping she might take control of the meeting which was finding fault with the Dwarves above everything else.
"… The Dungeons I've set up along Wicked Grove will be edited to store weapons from Common to Mortal Grade from Level 1 to 50.
Any of the Rare Grade equipment can be spread across Level 51 to 90, which leaves the last 10 for Elite and Epic Grade items.
It might cause some outrage amongst the Adventurers, but it'll be better for the economy in the long run.
Halkgon, the Dwarven Smiths will need to be regulated so they don't sell off items that could cause a international war we cannot be a part of right now.
My team of V.P Intelligences will run the government department with oversight from the Council of Sicarius Masters.
Other than that, I don't believe there is anything else to be discussed today.
If you'll excuse me, I need to head over to the Academia City and prepare for the new influx of students coming over from the Spatial Ark Star World."
With Isabelle disappearing before their eyes as her workload increased since Stovi wasn't affected by time dilation anymore.
After Igdra established the World Tree roots within the Vaadan Region, Stovi's time matched the speed of Earth's, increasing the workload on Isabelle's plate.
Rahzil decided to continue the meeting once she left to deal with other problems across the Vaadan Region, making Rahzil the overseer of the discussion so it didn't delve into madness.
"Now that the Dwarven issue has been solved, is there anything else that needs to be discussed immediately?" Rahzil asked as he looked around the room at the seated Ministers and Masters of the Vaadan Region.
"Actually yes.
It concerns the behaviour of the incoming visitors to the Vaadan Region.
We have reports of convoys heading over from the neighbouring Kingdoms and Empires after news leaked about the Vaadan Region and its many offerings.
Vaadan Haven, the Landport City leading into the Vaadan Region has found itself overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to visit the area.
If possible, could the Sicarius Clan send some people to increase the number of guards and officials to help ease the congestion and future problems that might arise with the large number of foreigners in the near future."
A young Minister asked, with the Council of Sicarius Masters having their say on the matter.
"We've also got a problem with the increased number of Adventurers seeking out the cities within the Spatial Dungeons established by Lady Isabelle.
I can say for certain the number of people moving into these cities is astonishing when the Adventurers discovered the immense strength and orderly conduct of the management government."
Rahzil listened closely to the contents of the meeting, even though he wanted nothing more but to return home to the Space Ark.
'What the hell is Esmond up to right now?
Bastard didn't even take me along to the damn Tartarus Zone.'
.
At the same time, a journalist for the Liber Tellus Global News media organisation in England was about to kickstart certain events that were bound to shock the public much earlier than expected.
"*Sigh* 450 reported complaints made to the police for criminal offences till now without any action taking place.
Peter… are you ready for the public outcry?"
"Oh please, the creep had it coming.
Jimmy Savile needs to be crucified for his actions, Ross
We've even got the evidence to show Robert Armstrong, the head of the Honours Committee found reports of a paedophilia nature when they checked Savile's private life."
The two journalists borrowed one of the Study Rooms that were made to allow for discussion in an enclosed space.
They stayed back at the office to enjoy a drink before their lives would be turned upside down by the sheer noise it would generate across England and the world.
The following day their documentary would be releasing with a surprise interview of the man himself where Ross and Peter sat down with Jimmy for a talk.
To their surprise, when they asked Jimmy about the damning allegations, he laughed if off, even after they presented some evidence that brought his smiles to an end.
After ending the interview, they rushed back to the office and used the help of the editing team to prepare for the release of the documentary before Jimmy could even try to get away.
"Let's relax for now and enjoy the chaos that's about to be unleashed!" Ross shouted as the two clinked their drinks together out of celebration.
What neither person knew was their report and documentary would lead to a massive inquiry organised by the Queen herself to find reports of a cover up of Jimmy's actions from within the government itself.
Much like Peter and Ross, other journalists around the world started releasing reports on the powerful who sought to fuel their criminal urges without oversight from government agencies and the public eye.
…
..
.
"Ugh…
Why are we here, James?
You know I'm a busy man with everything slowly crashing and burning away on the Shanghai Stock Exchange." May's father, Zhao Cai was sitting beside his dear friend while overlooking the skyline of the global financial hub.
The two businessmen were enjoying golf outside of the city at a highly exclusive club with the city skyline in the distance.
Taking their time to play golf, James and Zhao enjoyed their drinks while discussing business even though they were infuriating other players who wished to move past them for taking so long.
"Well, I'm here to save your ass before the market crash leaves you crying for a bailout.
Eddie sent me over to meet you so he can start reviewing Cai Property Holdings for any issues.
Hell, he hopes you would accept his original deal and give Esmond a stake in the company so the Finance Team of the Space Ark can increase the value and power of the company."
James sipped on his drink while watching another group of players ahead of them on the full 18-hole golf course.
He added, "Now that we're aware of the Space Ark, Carter and the others want to gather the businesses related to the Atlaesus Empire under their partial control.
Even if May has supplied you with a V.P Intelligence and a Finance Manager from the Astrum Bank, its all in the preparation for future events that will change the course of human history.
So, Zhao, old friend… are you ready to take the leap of faith and fall under the broad umbrella of your future son in law?"
"James… *Sigh* I would… honestly brother I would.
However, Beijing has a tight grasp on my company and its affairs.
If I involve Esmond, the government will intervene and wonder why I am taking such a risk."
"Then sell it.
Get out now and Esmond can make you the face of his new company which will have the freedom to step away from Beijing's watchful eye.
Eddie can set it up to show the company is from Switzerland, giving it plenty of neutrality and safety against the government looking into the business affairs."
Zhao choked on his drink when he heard James offer him a new company with the political power of Switzerland behind them as insurance.
He wanted to agree but considering the time and effort his family put into creating the powerful Cai Property Holdings, Zhao thought about refusing the deal.
James sensed this just from Zhao's contorted facial expression, so he added some extra points to sweeten the deal and help his friend understand the importance of the new company.
"Your sons can activate their Bloodline, as well as yourself.
Esmond also said the Shadow Intelligence Agency would help gain the company a larger foothold within China, even if it means replacing government officials with their agents.
But more importantly, you'll be the first person to enter North Korea and kickstart the change…"
