The Giants

After their family members and other trusted guest where escorted to their resting places, the meeting begun.

"Young Lord, we mean no disrespect but even with all these advance technology and achievements would not match the entirety of the kingdoms around us. And even if we group together and try to liberate ourselves we are no match to their power and experience. These mechanical flying beast no matter how amazing would be crushed by their aerial beast army."

"Yes, young lord. Their aerial army is massive. The winged sand worms of Banawe, The Dragonewt Legion of Chiscast Empire. Each kingdom has their own aerial assets that are groomed to defend and destroy. It could not be underestimated."

"And even if they would not deploy aerial assets, they can easily crush us with sheer land power. It is also the reason that is why, the beastmen and demons on the other side of the world(referring to other continents) would not want to engage in war in these continent."

"But even with these bunch of uncertainties, we would like to cooperate at least on trading and exchanging knowledge."

"I Clearly understand all of your sentiments, but I mean no disrespect if I say that your ancestors are wrong all along but it is not too late." Zion rebutted with a mysterious statement, angering them a bit with a mixed of curiosity.

"What do you mean by your statement young lord." Edric Barnette asked slightly irked.

"At the foot of the mountain on each side lay a very precious resource that you and even your ancestors did not discover even with you already mining those areas." As Zion said that, they looked at each other in confusion.

"Are you referring to the unearthed bones of the ancients? We admit that it is rare and expensive but it is not sustainable. and even what your referring is iron ores and other mineral, it is not that of a big of a volume compared to other areas." Kendall Wintere said.

"Azraelle, show them the mineral that is bountiful in the area."

{Affirmative} A hologram presenting a rare mineral from the mines found in their mining area are shown. Dust of crushed crystal like substance make the soil and rocks sparkly.

"Is that crushed Mana Crystal?" Odella Cheshiree said after only looking once.

"Yes it is exactly Crushed Mana Crystal. And the soil and rocks surrounding the area is full of it." Zion smirked.

"But, that is of no use, aside from mixing it on concrete giving a beautiful design it is a very labor intensive process that is why it is rarely bought by anyone." Kelton Hawarde explained.

"As all of you already know that Mana crystal has the properties of absorbing and storing mana, those properties does not diminish as they are crushed rather it is only paused and if it absorb mana, it is hardly noticeable." Zion said excited, as he looked at them confused.

"Young lord, that is a very awesome discovery but what would be it's practical use then?" Levina Almer anxiously asked.

"Currently my mechanical drones use this materials to collect mana autonomously without any human intervention and just pure mechanics and technology, one of it's use also is mixed to steel weaponry to significantly improve mana conductivity during combat, third would be on construction and any structures, as it is great material that can conduct mana well. Lastly and most important of all. I have the knowledge and capability to harness the crystal particles and recombine it forming into any shape and size Mana Crystal."

The gasped air and exclaimed at the last sentence even though the other benefits are already unbelievable.

"What would be our roles and how much would we benefit from this, and why are you comfortable on discussing these very important information with us?" Odella Cheshiree who seemed to be the smart and calculative spoke immediately breaking the others excitement. The others realized that they almost got into a trap without them knowing, they were thankful Odella for reminding them what their purpose on these venture. And that is to seek the most beneficial gain no matter what happened.

"Nothing, you just have to accept my terms and I will assure you that in two years we will be able to stand up against the GIANTS in this continent."

"That is a huge dream but what if we don't agree with your terms.?" Edric Barnette who was the most scheming mockingly asked.

"Actually, the Mana Dust as we label it is everywhere around these Dark Forest and in the mountains surrounding it, and there is unimaginable amount of it. The only reason I am interested is the area around your territories will yield 10 percent more compared to mining it everywhere. If you will observe in this video, we have investigated all possible areas to mine and it yield the same more or less. Even if you investigate it yourself you will find the same." After that statement their eyebrows came together and a bit annoyed.

"To break the mood, I will give you another reason why you will agree with my terms. After or even within two years, if you think that you have not benefited enough, you can abandon us anytime with clean feet and hands. I swear on my Ancestors that I am not lying and true to my words."

"I will give you time to discuss until tomorrow for now, you can rest. You are free to ask any of my staff and if you want you can visit the Ruin, the vehicles are available anytime." Zion then stood up leaving them behind with mixed emotions and after Zion left they started to discuss again.

"Lords and Ladies, I myself would like to try these gamble. But if anyone of us is uncertain of these I would advice for us to back out and forget all of these have happened. "Kendall Wintere said in a resolute manner.

"I have not seen any instance that the young lord is lying with us, he was sincere enough or he was very good at this kinds of situation. Either of it I would gladly be a part or at least under him." Levina Almer admitted that he has good impression of Zion.

"Young, Smart, and respected. I could not doubt his potential. It's clear evidence from looking at his companions and subjects around him. Their eyes sparkle the moment their lord speak to them. I have no doubt that he is a good leader." Kelton Hawarde seriously said as he has an eye for good subordinates.

"He might not be that strong base on his aura, his mana control is superb, I could not detect any chaos and disruptions throughout the day that he was with us. There is no doubt that he has discipline and proper training, though we have no current information, his back ground is not ordinary. I can also sense his demeanor is of Royal descent. I am curious to know him more." Blushing in embarrassment he was allured by Zion's charisma. The others was a bit troubled but all Odella Cheshiree said was on point and could not be denied.

Now it was on the hands of Edric Barnette if they would go or not. As he was the most senior and most experience his comments and suggestion would hugely affect their decision.

"To tell you the truth, last month I was visited by a nobleman which his name I would not disclose. And he was convincing me to betray the Luna and consolidate everyone ruling under my name. The benefits is huge and it was tempting but I am a member of Luna, I would be disgracing my ancestors if I did agree. But one thing I realized is the nobleman was right, we have protected our goal for how many years but we have not improved, we played safe and neutral just to preserve the same level of standards, are you not bored of expending all efforts just to protect the same standard that we have from the past? It is like we are prisoners in time without improvement at all. I might be getting old but I am sure you felt the same way, maybe it is time to truly be part of something that we will be a proud of no matter how uncertain that would be. And I finally felt that feeling listening to the young lord. I felt satisfied."