Immortals

"Your highness, can you enlighten us of why are you halting some of the projects without reason.?" On a cyber meeting, all of them were dumbstruck of the sudden halt of the majority of the projects, not including the resources gathering. And all of them have the same question, even Azraelle could not process and predict his decision.

"I plan to hide my reason for saying it would expose major secrets on my part, but because you are my loyal subjects I will adhere." Zion paused for a second and started to explain.

"Inside this Vial is a very special virus. We recently discovered a virus that could struck a person or any living organism ill and limit it's lifespan by unlocking it's pure mana to increase and overcharge but it was not the main problem but it's side effect of destroying slowly any living organism around him by devouring it as an energy. Now I have modified it by combining it to cybernetic nanobots retaining it's original ability and changing it's weakness into consuming not an organism but a portion of mana. The mana it consume is negligible, that is why no need for worry." Zion explained smiling. But the listeners are still confused.

"Sire, it is a very good news indeed but what would be it's significance if it will be used on the people. Why would we stop everyone on their jobs, it is easier if we scheduled them accordingly. In that way it will not disrupt the plan." Rygorn, was happy of the new discovery but the subject of halting projects has no correlation.

"You are correct halfway, but this will not be used only by our people but also the trees around us." Zion smirked toying all of them with his almost puzzling information.

"Trees?" Some of them exclaimed not knowing what their ruler is planning.

"I think I know the answer sire." Sultan Cyril voice broke the ice in a very silent meeting.

"Proceed." Zion said and gestured.

"You plan to increase the mana on tress and harvest them. You halted the projects because to be able to produce more of that Virus, is to have huge amounts of mana. That is why if we invest now on that virus, we would gain more on the long run." All the sultans and their loyal subjects were already introduced to the fusion program and all of them already undergone basic knowledge to able to be not confused of the equipment and tools they will be using in engaging in projects, but to think that Cyril understood the concept of energy farming is somewhat impressive.

"Impressive Sultan Cyril, I have heard that you have a mysterious and great mind. It seem like the rumors of you are true in a good way." Zion slowly clapped as he praised Cyril. "It is exactly what Cyril said. The delay will help save mana and cultivate more of these viruses, and in return it will hasten the project three folds or more. What we lack now is mana, our demand exceeds our supply and we have no choice until now. So for now, we will transfer workforce in other departments."

After understanding the reason they were impressed, not only to the young lord but also to Cyril. The sultans definitely misunderstood him, they all ignored and even hated him but who would have thought that Cyril would be the one to guide them into Zion. Ever since their surrender, their lives became more at ease. And the fire in their hearts that was slowly diminishing was relit. They have lost hope of progressing, they knew that they were left behind but they accepted it as they have very few choices but now they found a way to the light, their dim future was relit by the fire that was named Zion.

After the meeting, Kumar, Lent, Zeeq, Shierra, and Rygorn was told to stay.

"What I have said earlier was not a lie but only half of it. The truth about this virus is that I can control it anyway I want as if an extension of me, in addition I even manipulate trees that are exposed to my cybernetic bots but unfortunately I could not control other conscious organisms but if I can somehow expose and penetrate a person or beast or any being with my bots, I could disrupt their mana flow depending on their mana control and how strong the mana user is."

"In short, by controlling the trees that are exposed to my bots, I can control them to connect their roots, and deliver the mana we need to a storage facility. Still we will put up a conventional farming area for mana, just to hide and avoid discovery."

"Sire, but what would be it's effect to the tress?" Rygorn asked as he was concerned of it's long term effect.

"Yes, I forgot to tell you. Because I can control the trees, I can control their energy consumption and even guide the tree to be able to bear fruit, grow strong, and even alter their genes entirely to adapt to our needs but it would take time and further experiment and research for a safe usage."

They all understood now the huge benefits these event would create, and their excitement was increased. But there is the last question they have to ask. But Zion did not wait for it and just continued to explain.

"Yesterday after my discovery I have started to task some logistics team to gather mana for my bots to consume and proliferate. As we speak, my bots are now multiplying in a stable phase while regularly traveling through the river and into the trees. Because the entire Dark Forest is huge, it would take at least a week for the whole area to be exposed. Until I finalize my bots, I would need you all to decide."

"Sire, what are you planning?" Rygorn was curios and seem anxious.

"You will all go another evolution, just like me. The only difference is that I am fused with cybernetic nanobots, Azraelle and now this virus. You on the other hand from natural nanobots to cybernetic nanobots and now the virus. It will enhance greatly every corner of your abilities and even beyond, but...." Zion paused for a moment, then looked at them slowly with serious eyes.

"You might have to leave a portion or the whole of your humanity. I have already accepted my faith but you can have a choice." As Zion said it, it would make them semi immortal. They may live forever, but is still vulnerable to instant death or sever trauma even drowning.

"I will not hesitate to follow my lord to the end of time." Kumar, Lent, Zeeq and Shierra never hesitated. All their life they sworn to protect Zion and it's their life duty to serve him. It is not because of the federation, ranking, command but because they were friends and family since they were children. They trained, learn, eat, sleep and cry together. Although Zion was of higher noble status, he never treated them as inferior but as a family and friend.

"Rygorn, I know of your sentiment, you must be thinking of your son. Your have endured enough in this lifetime that you would not want more. I will not force it on you." Zion said respectfully to Rygorn.

"Sire, that is half the reason. I have dreamt of growing old with my son in a distant simple place with his family, but with our situation right now that is impossible. I will follow you anywhere your highness as long as you will also let my son follow you in the future, and even if that would not happen and unfortunately I would perish, please help my son live a comfortable life."

"Rygorn, your son is safe. The only problem we have now is how to convince your son that he is your son, It would seem that I am delaying but my plan is not short term, it needed elaborate measure, and intricate design and lastly it need perfect timing. And if forced, it might lead to confusing your son, and damaging his sanity and in worst case scenario endangering your son's life."

"Sire, I would never think of that sort. Please allow me to continue serving you." Rygorn now agreed to the plan.

"Alright, Initiate the Fusion Program."