Meeting the king and...a ceo?

As the elevator ascended, the team exchanged curious glances. The sleek, metallic walls of the elevator reflected their expressions of mild confusion and intrigue. Kryzius, standing at the front, turned to Julius, who was leaning against the side with his arms crossed.

"Wait... your king is a CEO of a company?" Kryzius asked, his tone a mix of surprise and skepticism.

Julius chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, it's a bit unconventional, isn't it? King Harren isn't your typical monarch. He runs Usha Town like a business, which, in a way, it is. The town's prosperity hinges on trade, innovation, and, well...keeping threats like the Oxtywraiths and Hyperwraiths at bay."

Rina raised an eyebrow. "So, we're about to meet a king who's also a businessman? That's...new."

Yamaha nodded thoughtfully. "It does make sense, though. The way this place operates, the advanced tech, the security—it all feels more like a corporate stronghold than a traditional kingdom."

Julius smiled wryly. "Exactly. Harren's a visionary, but he's also pragmatic. He knows that to keep Usha Town thriving, he has to run it like a well-oiled machine. And sometimes, that means outsourcing help...like you."

Kryzius absorbed this information, his gaze shifting to the numbers ticking up on the elevator panel. "Interesting approach. But it makes me wonder—what kind of king feels the need to call in outsiders when he has all this at his disposal?"

Julius's expression grew serious. "That's a question only King Harren can answer. But trust me, there's a reason he's called you here, and it's not just because of the Hyperwraiths."

The elevator dinged as it reached the top floor, the doors sliding open to reveal an opulent hallway leading to what looked like a grand office. The team exchanged a final glance before stepping out, ready to meet the enigmatic king who had summoned them.

The team entered a vast, elegantly designed room. The walls were adorned with intricate patterns, blending modern aesthetics with traditional elements. A tall window dominated one side of the room, offering a breathtaking view of the vast cityscape, with towering buildings stretching as far as the eye could see. The sunlight filtered through, casting a warm glow across the polished marble floor.

At the far end of the room, a large, imposing desk made of dark wood sat, perfectly organized with neatly stacked papers. Behind the desk sat a tall green peafowl, his feathers shimmering in shades of emerald and gold. He was dressed in a traditional yet modern dark red business kimono, a blend of ancient elegance and contemporary style. His sharp eyes were focused on the documents before him, exuding an air of authority.

To his right stood an Altai Snowcock woman with a chubby body. She was clad in dark blue business clothes, with black glasses perched on her beak, giving her a scholarly appearance. She held a tablet in one hand, occasionally glancing at it as she quietly attended to the king's needs.

The king looked up from his papers as the group approached, his gaze steady and assessing. The air in the room felt thick with anticipation as the team prepared to meet the ruler of Usha Town.

The king looked up and saw Kryzius and his team entering the room. His intense yellow eyes locked onto them, and he spoke in an elegant yet deep Asian accent, his voice carrying a strangely feminine undertone. "Hm... you are here."

Setting down his papers, the king's gaze remained fixed on Kryzius, his expression inscrutable.

Julius walked up to the desk and bowed slightly. "King Li Zhen, these are the Vanguard X... the ones you called."

The king nodded, his expression thoughtful as he studied each member of the team. "I see... I have heard much about your exploits. Welcome to Usha Town. Your reputation precedes you, and I trust you will not disappoint."

Kryzius met the king's gaze, feeling the weight of those intense yellow eyes on him. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension.

Li Zhen's gaze shifted back to Kryzius. "Before we continue... I would like to speak privately, with only you and Julius present."

The team exchanged uneasy glances. Aeti, ever the cautious one, stepped forward. "My sincerest apologies, sir, but... why is that?"

Li Zhen's expression darkened, his voice growing cold as he responded with a sharp edge. "Because when I request something, it is not a suggestion. Your presence is neither needed nor wanted for this discussion. Do not mistake my patience for leniency."

Kryzius raised a hand to calm the situation before it escalated. "It's okay, Aeti... you can go. I'll catch up with you later."

Aeti hesitated, her glare lingering on the king. Li Zhen, noticing her defiance, seemed almost amused by it, his eyes narrowing slightly. Finally, with a reluctant nod, Aeti and the others turned and made their way back to the elevator, leaving Kryzius, Julius, and the king alone in the room.

Li Zhen chuckled softly, a sound that seemed almost out of place in the tension-filled room. "She's quite interesting," he mused, his gaze following Aeti as she exited. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes, as if her defiance had piqued his curiosity rather than offended him.

Kryzius, still standing firm, nodded slightly. "My team is dedicated and protective. They have every reason to be."

Li Zhen's smile lingered as he turned his attention back to Kryzius. "Loyalty is a valuable trait, Captain Kryzius. It's something I respect... when properly managed." His tone was measured, his words carefully chosen as he continued. "Now, let's discuss why you're really here."