King Aldric

The grand throne room of the castle was a vast, imposing space, reflecting the authority and grandeur of the Kingdom of Luthadel. Tall stone columns lined the walls, each one draped with rich tapestries that depicted the kingdom's proud history: scenes of ancient battles, noble knights, and legendary rulers. The ceiling arched high above, adorned with glittering chandeliers that cast a warm, golden light across the polished marble floor. Everything about the room spoke of power and tradition.

At the far end of the chamber sat King Aldric on an elaborate throne made of dark wood and inlaid with gold. The throne was raised on a dais, allowing the King to look down upon anyone who entered. He sat with an air of calm authority, his posture upright and commanding. His expression was neither harsh nor welcoming, but rather the practiced gaze of a man accustomed to holding power.

To the King's right stood a man in heavy battle armor, his presence exuding the weight of authority and experience. His armor was polished to a dull sheen, covered in dents and scratches that told the story of countless battles fought. He had a stern face, hardened by years of battle, and his hand rested on the hilt of the sword at his side as if prepared for any threat that might arise.

To the King's left, there was a man in a long cloak, his face obscured by the deep shadows of his hood. He stood silently, his posture relaxed but his aura one of keen awareness. Though his face was hidden, a faint shimmer could occasionally be seen along the hem of his cloak suggesting that this man was no ordinary courtier. His presence emanated an air of mystery and power.

Noble advisors filled the booths on either side of the throne room, whispering among themselves as Daniel and Elizabeth entered. Their expressions varied from curious to skeptical, and they regarded the newcomers with a mixture of intrigue and disdain.

Daniel walked steadily forward, his gaze meeting the King's as he came to a stop at the base of the dais. Elizabeth, though awed by the grandeur of the room, stood close beside him, her face one of clear nervousness. The messenger who had guided them there stayed behind closing the doors to the room, leaving Daniel and Elizabeth standing alone before the throne.

With a respectful motion, Daniel bowed, and Elizabeth quickly followed his lead. "Your Majesty," Daniel said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of respect.

King Aldric regarded them for a moment before his voice filled the room, firm and commanding. "Rise, both of you," he said.

Daniel and Elizabeth stood, and Daniel could feel the weight of the King's gaze upon him. "You are Daniel, the one who has been called the Keeper of Pokémon," the King continued. "I have summoned you here to uncover more about these new creatures that have appeared in our lands. The reports from Captain Valen were intriguing, but his limited knowledge cannot provide a full understanding."

Daniel nodded, meeting the King's gaze. "I will answer your questions to the best of my ability, Your Majesty."

King Aldric leaned forward slightly in his throne, his expression thoughtful. "Tell me, then—what exactly are these 'Pokémon'?"

Taking a deep breath, Daniel began to explain. "Pokémon are creatures with unique abilities, each belonging to different types such as Water, Fire, and Electric. They can perform various moves, ranging from simple physical attacks to complex powers like manipulating the elements or even reading minds. They possess intelligence, emotions, and the capacity to bond with humans. Pokémon are not mere beasts, but have the potential to become companions and partners in life."

As Daniel spoke, the King listened intently, his expression neutral but his eyes betraying curiosity. The nobles in the booths murmured softly among themselves, some nodding while others seemed doubtful.

"You mentioned 'types,'" the King said after a moment. "What significance do these types hold?"

"Each type represents a specific set of traits and abilities," Daniel explained. "For example, a Water-type Pokémon can manipulate water and may resist fire, while a Grass-type can control plants and grow stronger under sunlight. The different types interact in various ways, creating a natural balance among Pokémon."

The King nodded thoughtfully. "And how many of these creatures exist within my lands?"

"There are hundreds of pokemon species, Your Majesty, yet as for how many exactly, even I can't say," Daniel answered. "Each species of Pokémon have unique characteristics. The ones in the forest have adapted well to this land, and they coexist peacefully with the people of Nahir."

"And yet," the King said, his tone shifting slightly, "there are those who are wary of these creatures—especially given their abilities. Some may see them as a threat, should their powers be used for ill. Tell me, Daniel, can you guarantee that these Pokémon will not harm our people?"

Daniel shook his head, though his voice was calm. "I cannot guarantee the behavior of every individual Pokémon, just as one cannot guarantee the actions of every human. However, the Pokémon I have introduced are naturally inclined to form bonds with people. They seek connection, not conflict. As long as they are treated with respect, they will respond in kind."

At this, the cloaked man standing to the King's left leaned in closer, whispering something into the King's ear. The King listened, his expression remaining steady, before turning his gaze back to Daniel.

"My Court Magician has raised an important question," King Aldric said. "He wishes to know the true extent of these creatures' abilities and how powerful they can truly become."

Daniel's gaze shifted to the cloaked figure. Although the man's face was still hidden, there was a sense of intensity emanating from him. It was clear that this Court Magician was not merely a passive observer; he was deeply invested in understanding the nature of Pokémon.

Daniel met the King's eyes again. "Your Majesty, rather than speak of their abilities, I believe it would be more effective to show you."

There was a ripple of murmuring among the noble advisors at Daniel's words. Some seemed intrigued by the suggestion, while others looked concerned. One of the more senior nobles stood up and protested. "Your Majesty, we cannot simply allow this outsider to dictate terms—"

Before he could continue, the armored man on the King's right interrupted him. "Silence!" he barked, his voice echoing through the hall. "The King has given his audience, and we shall respect his decision."

The noble sat back down, grumbling under his breath. The King's gaze never left Daniel. "You seem confident in your creatures' capabilities," he said. "Very well, Daniel. You may proceed with your demonstration. However, know this: should any harm come to those present, my men will act without hesitation."

Daniel inclined his head respectfully. "I understand, Your Majesty. I assure you, no harm will come to anyone. I will ensure my friends will comply with respect."

Satisfied with Daniel's response, the King gestured for the Daniel to continue, allowing Daniel to use the space at the center of the throne room for his demonstration.

Taking a deep breath, Daniel reached into his bad, his heart beating a little faster as he prepared to reveal the diverse world of Pokémon to the King and his court. While he could summon the Pokémon out of thin air, he didn't want everyone to know that. He summoned a number of Pokéballs into his bag. One by one, he released the Pokémon, each representing a different type, carefully chosen to give a broad understanding of the vast abilities that Pokémon possess.

With a series of flashes, the Pokémon began to appear, filling the space before the throne.