Vassal

Poltragow, Swinford, Wombourne, Azmarin and Aston where the five neutral cities that were situated at the borders of the Dark forest all along the huge river Holon which traversed from Holon lake, through the dark forest into the desert and exited in the Sea of Belmont.

Three of these small cities mostly merchant city are the passage ways into the dark forest border and through Snow Fort to enter Luxlor Kingdom. The two other cities are focused on mining and farming with a bit trade. These five cities are ruled by Luna. A group of merchant, nobles and wealthy family that does not want to side with any faction and just focus maintaining their statuses and wealth.

Misty Hills

A palace that is owned by Luna is situated at a secluded area in Misty Hills somewhere at the border of Dark Forest. Inside a room where men and woman sat around a round table which symbolizes their equality among members. Five Members in total.

"My Lords and Ladies. We are here to discuss of the new happenings. We already knew of the establishment of a small settlement at the center of the Dark Forest, but their phase of improvement is unforeseen. Recently an invitation of trade was sent on our side from their ruler Zion Arche Urza upon the recommendation of Emissary Lexon. Though some merchants go back and fort through our cities and into the said Ruin there is not yet a formal agreement of trade." The others nodded as they also heard of the news.

"Ever since our group is established, we were independent and neutral but never proclaimed as a sovereign entity. It would be disastrous for our small group to enter the world of politics, we are only here just because we are very far from the main kingdoms, and it would be difficult for them to maintain these parts of the area, that is why they let us become neutral in exchange we open trade and have them passage anytime they want."

"We have received many threats in the past and this letter sent to all five of use, is just another one of them and it would only pass by with time, out fathers and their fathers stood ground to face these giants and on our generation why should we be fazed by such threat." It was due to the letter that Zion sent to them secretly. It stated that they would benefit more in allying themselves with him, and Zion even sent hologram of their achievements so far including the two wars they fought. In the letter they were invited personally to witness the upcoming projects which if they attend, they will be the first people to witness it outside of Zion's circle.

"Fellow Lords and Lady. My men personally went and experience the so called mysterious settlement in the ruin and they brought with them unbelievable items and food products, they even stated that machines from out of this world are normal in that area. It is too good to be true, but the rumors match all what my men reported and I could not doubt them anymore."

"Then what are you implying lady Almer."

"all I am saying is, the letter is not at all a threat but an invitation. What they presented is not a display of power but a presentation of their potential which they clearly are offering."

The group fell silent from Lady Almer's interpretation of the situation and they realized that she has a point.

"I believe that we should accept the invitation, and decide after seeing it ourselves. It could be a lie, a boastful presentation or maybe true. But what can we achieve is a deal, after all they have good products as what you have seen in their samples." An older member around 50-60 years of age said.

"Then are we final on our decision?" The others nodded in agreement.

They then brought out the steel communication ball into the center of the table which showed them the presentation and said the secret word they were instructed to say after deciding.

"Atlantis" One of them said and the ball beeped and then activated again [Hello, I am Hermes at your service, May I have your response to the invitation?] A jolly male voice but still mechanical spoke after a few beeps. And they were surprised by the voice that came from what they called a steel ball.

"The five of us are attending." [Can I have your full names, age and gender to complete the invitation process]

"Levina Almer Age 35." "Odella Cheshiree age 28" "Kendall Wintere age 42" "Kelton Hawarde age 30" "Edric Barnette age 57"

After individually stating their names, the Communication Device scanned their body which startled them at the abrupt green light.

[Scan Complete...Initializing confirmation...] After another few beeps and blue light pulsating like a beat of the heart. [Barabas year 271, at day 400 will be your departure...Only up to 10 person can only attend per family and up to a ton of luggage per family. Please be reminded that the extraction area will be at your choice location at the middle of the night and must be hidden] Hermes Highlighted for many time the secrecy of the venture as it would compromise not only them but also all their plans which they also agreed. there are 425 days in a single year in this planet, 22 hours per day and some of the areas around the globe also experience four seasons just like earth.

They were confused first but after a few inquiries which Hermes the AI answered in detail even showing some animated presentation they now understood. They could not believe such instructions first but still they are curious and excited of what to happen. For them, it was as if a devils invitation to his mansion.

Golden Sand City

"Impressive, you are undoubtedly one of my most impressive emissaries. I accept his request to open trade with them, after all even without our blessings, they will still find a way to trade somehow. This will be a great source of income to our kingdom, you have done well. The next ministry meeting I will introduce you to everyone." Barabas stood in happiness as he heard the news. He was informed that upon their formal establishment which will be decided soon they will become a direct vassal to Banawe kingdom. Zion gave no exact date of their proclamation as a vassal state but promised to announce it to the whole continent if possible which gave joy to the king. The king also commended Zion's plan to hide the information first as to not provoke Luxlor kingdom until they could establish a military to defend themselves.

"Cut of the initial tribute to half during the first three years. We need to hasten their improvement as soon as possible before Luxlor could sniff something from this. And for their earnings on the trade, that is negligible. Send my command, that the income will be used to boost their progress and will only take a portion of it after three years. At first I thought this guy is foolish but the more I am informed I am sure that he is smart and impressive."

"Sire but, what if they are brewing something that would disadvantage us." Barabas personal adviser who is a white bearded old man around the age of 70 warned.

"Winfred, even if they do so. They are just delaying the inevitable, we can just crash them and reap the benefits ourselves. What I want is to boost the observation and report any slight changes and minor details. We can ultimately avoid any mishaps if we concentrate on our intelligence and not only theorizing." Barabas said in a serious voice.