A Job Offer

The soft glow of candlelight bathed the grand chamber of Volkshalle in a muted warmth, but the atmosphere inside was anything but welcoming. Alexander, the Supreme Leader of Valoria, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, staring out the tall windows at the snow-covered city below. The fires of industry burned in the distance, their faint plumes of smoke rising into the icy sky. It was a nation at its peak, and Alexander intended to ensure its vision reached far beyond Valoria's borders.

Behind him, the sound of boots echoed on the marble floor. Julieanne entered the chamber, leading Johannes Krieg, freshly extracted from Ruthenia. Johannes bore the look of a man who had seen too much—his face lined with exhaustion, his movements deliberate and cautious. His dark coat, though neat, showed signs of wear, a stark contrast to the immaculate surroundings of Volkshalle.