The Guardian Of The Multiverse

(Marvel, DC, images, manhuas, and every anime that will be mentioned and used in this story are not mine. They all belong to their respective owners. The main character "Karito/Adriel Josue Valdez" and the story are mine)

Zhcted - Leitmeritz Castle.

Elen, Tigre, and Lim stayed in Elen's office, impatient and worried for their friend. The way he left had been bitter.

Tigre, though concerned, chose to trust Adriel. He had seen Adriel's capabilities during training and couldn't forget the strange comments he often made—feats that seemed far-fetched. But perhaps those remarks weren't just exaggerations, given how Adriel presented himself.

Elen was an emotional rollercoaster. She was the most concerned about the Guardian. She still chased that far-fetched dream of "claiming" both Tigre and Adriel—especially Adriel. At this point, everyone knew that if Adriel wanted to, he could rule her territory simply by existing. Yet, for an entire month, all he did was talk to them and pull pranks. It would be a lie to say she hadn't grown attached to him. She couldn't help but feel at ease in his presence. She didn't know why, but whenever he was around, everything felt right—like the incorrect became correct.

Lim, on the other hand, had softened toward Adriel. She once had strong barriers up around him, but somehow, Adriel had torn them down—too easily, in fact. She had grown fond of him, very much so, but that didn't mean she had dropped her guard completely. She was more accepting, sure, but it would be a lie to say she didn't still question what Adriel truly was. The way he just knew and did things defied all logic—he was a contradiction in existence, yet not.

As the trio stood in the office, each lost in their thoughts, space itself twisted, and in an instant, Adriel appeared in the middle of the room.

The three jumped in surprise, unprepared for the sudden intrusion. Elen and Lim instinctively unsheathed their weapons, ready to fight the masked figure.

For a brief moment, they had forgotten that this individual was Adriel in his symbiote suit—or perhaps they didn't recognize him because the suit was battle-damaged from his fight against Sentry.

Adriel quickly unmasked himself, the symbiote peeling away to reveal his face as he raised his arms in panic.

"WAIT, YOU CRAZY BITCHES! IT'S ME! GODDAMN!" he yelled.

The two women froze as recognition set in, quickly lowering their weapons.

"Jesus," Adriel sighed. "Did y'all just forget this is my battle suit or something?"

None of them spoke, still in shock at seeing him. Then, suddenly, Elen rushed forward and hugged him.

"Y-You asshole! I was so worried!" she blurted out without a second thought.

Elen's sudden outburst left the room in a stunned silence.

Adriel quirked a brow, amused by her reaction. "Well, I know the way I disappeared left a sour taste in y'all's mouths, but to think you'd be this worried is quite the sight to take in," he smirked.

Adriel, still smirking, watched as she recoiled from the hug, her cheeks tinged pink.

"I-I was just worried!" she stammered, crossing her arms as if to regain control of the situation. "The way you left was so... reckless!"

"Concerning," Lim cut in, her arms also crossed, her sharp gaze fixed on Adriel.

Adriel stretched his arms behind his head, exhaling. "Yeah, yeah. I get it. But I told y'all to trust me, didn't I?"

Tigre took a deep breath, stepping forward. His hands clenched into fists, but his voice, though strained, was steady. "Adriel... just tell me. What happened? Everything."

Adriel studied Tigre for a moment before sighing. "Alright, fine. I'll give you the rundown—without the unnecessary mind-breaky details."

He leaned back against Elen's desk, arms crossed.

"I made my way to Alsace after sending y'all away. When I got there, things were already bad. The army wasn't Brune's. It looked like Brune's army, but it wasn't. Something had twisted them. As for the dragon... let's just say it wasn't the same beast it used to be."

Tigre's jaw tightened. "What do you mean 'twisted'? What were they?"

Adriel's expression darkened slightly, and for once, he wasn't grinning. "Things that shouldn't exist. That's all you need to know."

Tigre inhaled sharply, frustration flickering in his eyes, but he didn't push further.

Lim, arms still folded, spoke up next. "And you expect us to believe you fought three thousand alone? That you defeated a dragon—and then just walked away?"

Adriel shrugged. "It wasn't easy. But I handled it."

Elen narrowed her eyes. "How?"

Adriel shot her a half-smirk. "Because I can."

Lim scoffed. "That's not an answer."

"It's the only one you're getting," Adriel replied simply.

Another silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken questions. But none of them dared push him further. Something about the way he wasn't explaining things—the deliberate way he was holding back—made them uneasy.

Tigre was the first to break the silence. "Alsace? My people?" His voice was quiet but firm, his entire focus on Adriel.

Adriel met his gaze, his usual playfulness briefly fading. "Safe. Every last one of them. No casualties. No destruction. And before you ask—yes, Titta is fine. I made sure of it."

Tigre's shoulders sagged as the tension drained from his body. His legs felt weak, and he nearly collapsed against the desk. His home... was safe. His people... were alive. Titta...

He let out a shuddering breath, whispering something under his breath—perhaps a prayer, or perhaps just an exhale of relief.

Elen, watching Tigre, slowly turned back to Adriel. "You did all of this. Alone."

Adriel smirked again, some of his cocky demeanor returning. "You say that like it's a surprise."

Lim shook her head, still not fully convinced. "And what about Alsace? You mentioned something about 'securing it'—what did you mean?"

"Oh yeah." Adriel snapped his fingers. "I went ahead and made Alsace part of Zhcted territory. Under your rule, Elen. You're welcome, by the way."

Elen's eyes widened. "You did what?"

"You heard me," Adriel said, crossing his arms. "Figured I'd speed up the inevitable. No messy politics, no drawn-out conflicts. Alsace gets protection, and you get a stronger foothold. Win-win."

Elen ran a hand through her hair, exhaling. "You just decided that?"

"Yeah."

"On your own?"

"Yep."

"Without consulting me?"

"Uh-huh."

Elen groaned, rubbing her temples. "You're impossible."

"But effective," Adriel quipped.

Lim let out a sharp breath. "You do realize how absurd this sounds, don't you? A single person fights an army, takes down a dragon, reshapes the political landscape, and then acts like it was just another day?"

Adriel tilted his head. "Would you rather I let Alsace burn?"

Lim stiffened but didn't answer.

Elen, still trying to process the sheer audacity of his actions, finally sighed. "I should be mad at you."

"But you're not," Adriel pointed out with a knowing grin.

Elen huffed, looking away. "Yet."

Lim, however, kept her focus locked on him. "So what now?"

Adriel stretched, rolling his shoulders. "Now? You guys keep doing what you do best. Fight your battles, win your wars. Things are back on track. No need to stress over the details."

Tigre looked up at him, his expression still unreadable. "And you?"

Adriel smirked. "Me? I think I'll take a nap."

Elen rolled her eyes. "You're infuriating."

"You love it," Adriel shot back without hesitation.

Elen opened her mouth—then promptly shut it, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. She turned away with a huff. Lim's eyes flickered between them, but she said nothing.

Tigre, finally regaining his composure, shook his head. "I feel like the more I know about you, the less I understand."

Adriel chuckled, turning toward the door. "That's probably for the best."

For a moment, silence filled the room—not tense, but something else. A quiet understanding.

They still didn't fully grasp who Adriel was, what he could do, or why he did the things he did.

But he had kept his promise. He had saved Tigre's home.

And even if they didn't understand how—

They trusted him.

And for now, that was enough.

Two Days Later...

The journey back to Alsace was quiet—too quiet.

Riding ahead of the group, Adriel rested lazily against his horse's saddle, appearing relaxed, but the way his eyes flicked to Tigre every so often revealed something else. The young noble hadn't spoken much since they left the castle, his knuckles white as he gripped the reins of his horse.

Elen and Lim, following closely, kept their gazes on the road, though it was clear Elen was itching to say something. She wasn't the type to stay silent for long.

"So," she finally spoke, "I still don't understand why you didn't let us help."

Adriel sighed dramatically, tilting his head back. "Because you guys aren't built to handle what I fought. You'd have been throwing pebbles at a damn tsunami. It's nothing personal."

Lim narrowed her eyes. "You're making it sound like we're weak."

Adriel smirked. "Not weak. Just... unequipped."

Elen huffed. "You really love being cryptic, don't you?"

"It's a habit."

The discussion died there, leaving them with nothing but the sound of hooves against dirt. The closer they got to Alsace, the more tension built in Tigre's shoulders. His breath was steady but heavy, as if bracing for the worst.

Adriel side-eyed him. "Hey. Relax."

Tigre flinched slightly but didn't answer.

Adriel leaned forward. "I already told you—Alsace is fine. Your people are safe. Titta's safe."

Tigre let out a breath, barely a whisper. "I know. I just... need to see it."

Adriel nodded. "Then look."

As they crested the hill, the village came into full view.

Alsace still stood.

Though signs of battle were visible—the charred remains of weapons, patches of scorched ground where the fighting had been most intense—the village itself was intact. Homes still stood, people moved about, and laughter—actual laughter—could be heard in the distance.

Tigre sucked in a breath. His body sagged slightly as if the weight of the world had just been lifted from his shoulders.

Adriel smirked. "Told you."

Tigre didn't respond. He was already urging his horse forward, breaking into a full gallop down the road.

Elen and Lim exchanged glances before quickly following, with Adriel trailing behind, watching with amusement.

As they entered the village, the people turned—and the moment they recognized Tigre, gasps and shouts filled the air.

"Tigre-sama!"

"The young lord has returned!"

Villagers rushed forward, smiles breaking out across their weary faces.

And then—

"TIGRE-SAMA!"

A blur of blue and white shot through the crowd before launching itself at Tigre.

Tigre barely had time to brace himself before Titta slammed into him, arms wrapping tightly around his torso.

"Titta—!"

"You're back! You're back, you're back, you're back—!" She clutched him so tightly he could barely breathe, her voice breaking. "I was so scared—I thought—Adriel told me you were fine but I—!"

Tigre, his expression softening, gently placed a hand on her head. "I'm here, Titta. I'm fine."

Titta didn't let go.

Elen and Lim, watching the scene, held back, feeling somewhat out of place in such an emotional reunion.

Adriel, however, was grinning ear to ear. "Damn, Titta, if you squeeze him any harder, he might pass out."

Titta gasped, immediately pulling away, flustered. "S-Sorry! I just—" She turned and finally noticed the two women standing behind Adriel.

Elen, hands on her hips, gave an amused smile, while Lim remained her usual stoic self.

Titta blinked. "Um...?"

Adriel took it upon himself to step forward. "Right, so introductions." He gestured to Elen. "This is Eleonora Viltaria, Vanadis of Zhcted. She's going to be overseeing things here. Remember the talk we had a few days ago? I passed the decision along, and now Alsace is officially part of Zhcted territory."

Titta's eyes widened in alarm. "Zh-Zhcted—?! But—but we're—"

"Not part of Brune anymore," Adriel cut in, his tone calm but firm. "Brune forfeited its claim when they tried to burn this place to the ground. We talked about this before and let's be honest, and knowing Elen, she was going to protect this place anyways if she wanted to or not. Pluss, Elen's people are definitely more kinder than Brune's and are honest about defending you all"

Titta turned to Tigre, her expression full of uncertainty.

Tigre exhaled slowly, nodding. "It's true." His gaze shifted to Elen, his expression serious. "If you're truly going to protect this land, then I have no objections."

Elen met his gaze, a confident smirk forming. "I was going to protect it anyway. Adriel just made it official before I got the chance."

Titta hesitated, her eyes flickering between them, uncertainty slowly giving way to something softer. Finally, she bowed slightly. "Thank you... for protecting our home."

Elen's expression softened just a bit. "Of course."

Lim, finally speaking up, cleared her throat. "It'll take time for the transition to settle, but Zhcted soldiers will assist in rebuilding. You'll be safe."

Titta nodded before glancing at Adriel. "You... you really did all of this?"

Adriel grinned. "What can I say? I'm an overachiever."

She shook her head, smiling. "You're... unbelievable."

"I get that a lot."

Tigre, looking around, took a deep breath. "And the people...?"

"No casualties," Adriel confirmed. "I made sure of it."

Tigre closed his eyes for a moment, processing it all. When he reopened them, they were filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Adriel."

Adriel simply shrugged. "Hey, what kind of friend would I be if I let your home get erased?"

A comfortable silence settled over the group before Elen suddenly groaned, stretching. "Well, now that we've got that all settled—I could use a drink."

Tigre gave a small, amused smile. "There might still be some ale left."

Adriel smirked. "Oh? A victory celebration?"

Titta clapped her hands together. "I can prepare a feast!"

Lim sighed. "As long as you two don't drink yourselves unconscious."

Elen waved her off. "Oh, come on, Lim! Just relax for once!"

Adriel grinned. "Yeah, Lim. Live a little."

Lim shot him a glare, but the corners of her lips twitched slightly.

"Hmph," was all she said.

Night time...

The night air in Alsace was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly cooked food and the laughter of villagers. Torches lined the village square, casting warm, flickering light over wooden tables stacked with food and barrels of ale. The once-battered village now buzzed with life. The people who had been terrified only hours ago were now celebrating, voices raised in song and stories, the weight of war temporarily lifted.

At the center of it all, Adriel sat comfortably with a cup of ale in hand, watching the celebration unfold with amusement. His presence here, while a bit unconventional, was accepted with ease—after all, he had saved them.

Tigre and Titta sat beside him, and across from them, Elen had all but draped herself over Adriel's shoulder, holding her drink close as if she belonged there. Lim, sitting nearby, pretended not to notice, but the subtle glances she stole toward Adriel didn't escape his sharp gaze.

"Y'know," Adriel started, swirling his drink, "I thought y'all would still be a little shaken up after everything, but damn, you guys bounce back quick."

Tigre chuckled. "Alsace is strong. My people have endured hardship before, but they know how to keep going."

"That's good," Adriel mused before turning to Elen, who had been uncharacteristically quiet for the last few minutes. "And what about you, Elen? Enjoying yourself?"

Elen pouted slightly, pressing herself a little closer to him. "Hmm... I'd enjoy myself more if a certain someone didn't just up and leave in the morning and come back in the afternoon acting like he didn't just fight an entire army alone."

Adriel smirked. "Oh? Is someone saying they missed me for a few hours?"

Elen clicked her tongue. "Tch. You wish."

"Do I?" Adriel leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just a little, teasing but effortlessly smooth. "Because the way you're clinging to me right now tells a very different story."

Elen's expression faltered for half a second, a faint pink dusting her cheeks before she recovered with a huff. "You really have a way with words, don't you?"

"Some would say it's a gift."

"More like a curse," Lim muttered, finally inserting herself into the conversation.

Adriel glanced at her, catching the way she was casually sipping her drink, pretending she hadn't been observing him the entire time. Unlike Elen, she wasn't openly clinging to him, but her presence was deliberate. Subtle.

Adriel turned his attention to her with an easy smirk. "Aw, don't tell me you're jealous, Lim."

Lim scoffed, setting her drink down. "Hardly. I'm just impressed at how quickly you manage to make everything into a game."

Adriel raised an eyebrow. "Who says it's a game?"

Lim stared at him for a moment before sighing. "See, that's exactly what I mean."

Adriel grinned. "You keep talking like that, and people might think you're actually enjoying my company."

Lim, to her credit, didn't flinch. Instead, she took another slow sip of her drink, letting the moment drag before finally responding.

"Maybe."

Elen, who had been listening, suddenly turned, looking between them with narrowed eyes. "Wait a second—is Lim flirting?"

Lim nearly choked on her drink. "I am not—"

"Oh, this is rich," Elen said, sitting up with a smirk. "You've been giving me grief for how I act around him, and now you're playing along?"

Lim's face didn't betray much, but the slight pink at the tips of her ears was impossible to miss.

Adriel, of course, leaned into it. "Hey, I'm an equal opportunity charmer."

Lim exhaled sharply, looking away. "Tch. You really are insufferable."

"And yet, here you are," Adriel said smoothly, leaning just slightly toward her. "Still talking to me."

Lim didn't respond, but she didn't leave either. That, in itself, was an answer.

Elen groaned. "Great. Now I have competition."

Adriel chuckled, leaning back in his chair, perfectly content with himself. "You're both cute when you're flustered."

Elen huffed. "One of these days, someone is going to outplay you."

"I look forward to it."

While the banter continued, Tigre and Titta watched from the sidelines, both amused and a little overwhelmed.

Titta, still not entirely used to Adriel's presence, leaned toward Tigre. "Is he always like this?"

Tigre sighed, rubbing his temples. "Unfortunately... yes."

Adriel, having overheard, turned toward them with a raised eyebrow. "Oh? Do I stress you out, Tigre?"

Tigre gave him a dry look. "You have no idea."

Adriel chuckled. "Well, can't say I don't keep things interesting."

Titta, still watching him with mild curiosity, hesitated before speaking. "You really did all of this Everything?"

Adriel's expression shifted slightly, his usual smirk softening just a little. "Yeah."

Titta lowered her gaze. "I... I don't know how we're supposed to repay you for all of this."

Adriel shook his head. "You don't."

She looked up at him, confused. "But—"

Adriel smiled. "I don't do things for 'repayment.' I do them because they need to be done."

Tigre, watching the exchange, exhaled. "I won't forget this, Adriel."

Adriel grinned, raising his drink. "Then let's drink to that."

Tigre nodded, clinking his cup against Adriel's, and the celebration carried on.

Elen eventually leaned against Adriel's shoulder again, Lim still feigning disinterest but staying close. Titta, now more at ease, smiled brightly as she helped serve food to the celebrating villagers, occasionally glancing back at Tigre with relief in her eyes.

The Next Day...

The morning sun peeked over the rooftops of Alsace, casting a warm glow across the quiet village. Birds chirped in the distance, their melodies blending with the occasional chatter of villagers already starting their daily routines.

Inside Tigre's modest home, the scent of fresh bread and warm tea lingered in the air.

Titta stretched her arms, the soft morning light filtering through the window as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She had woken up early, as she always did, to prepare breakfast. Today, however, she was more energetic than usual.

She tied the last ribbon of her maid uniform, smiling to herself. "Alright!" she said, determination clear in her voice.

Titta moved gracefully through the house, heading to Tigre's room first. She peeked inside, finding the young lord still bundled under his blankets, breathing evenly. She knew better than to expect him to wake up on his own—Tigre was a notorious heavy sleeper.

Approaching his bedside, she gently shook his shoulder. "Tigre-sama, it's morning."

Tigre groaned, shifting slightly but making no effort to actually get up.

Titta huffed, puffing out her cheeks. "Tigre-sama, breakfast is ready."

That earned a small reaction—a twitch of his brow, a low grunt—but still, no real movement.

She pouted before leaning in closer. "If you don't wake up, I'll have to call Elen-sama..."

Tigre's eyes cracked open just slightly.

"...Or maybe Adriel-sama."

A sigh. "I'm up..." Tigre muttered, forcing himself into a sitting position. He yawned before running a hand through his hair.

Titta beamed. "Good! Now, could you wake up Adriel-sama too?"

Tigre gave her a tired glance. "Why don't you do it?"

Titta's eyes lit up at the idea. "Me? Really?"

Tigre smirked slightly. "He listens to you more than me. Besides, I'm sure you'll enjoy waking him up more than I would."

Titta didn't even try to hide her excitement. "Alright! I'll wake him up right away!"

With newfound energy, she practically skipped toward the guest room, completely unaware of the absolute chaos she was about to walk in on.

Adriel was a light sleeper—an instinct built over countless battles and traumas. But when you had spent the night drinking and teasing two of the most formidable women in the room, even someone like him needed a little extra sleep.

Unfortunately, that meant he didn't hear the quiet creak of his door opening.

Elen smirked as she peeked inside. Adriel was still sleeping, one arm draped over his face, his chest slowly rising and falling with steady breaths.

She tilted her head. "He really let his guard down, huh?"

A normal person would have thought twice about disturbing someone like Adriel. Elen, however, was not a normal person.

With zero hesitation, she moved closer, her grin widening. "Good morning, Adriel."

Nothing.

She tapped his cheek lightly.

Still nothing.

Elen crossed her arms. "Tch. Tigre would've been up by now."

Then, inspiration struck.

She leaned in, bringing her lips dangerously close to his ear, and whispered in a soft, almost sultry voice.

"Wake up, Adriel~"

His eyes snapped open instantly.

Before Elen could react, Adriel flipped the situation in an instant. One swift motion—Elen suddenly found herself beneath him, Adriel hovering just inches from her, pinning her arms with ease.

"Now, now," Adriel murmured, voice still thick with sleep but laced with amusement, "aren't you being a little too bold this early in the morning?"

Elen's smirk barely faltered. "Oh? Is this how you treat a lady waking you up?"

Adriel chuckled, his expression unreadable. "Depends on the lady."

Elen's eyes twinkled with mischief. "And what kind of lady am I?"

Adriel's smirk remained, but there was something different in his gaze now—something deeper, more conflicted. For the briefest moment, his body stiffened, hesitation flickering across his features.

A memory—two faces flashed in his mind.

Chisato. Rebecca.

The weight of their names was enough to stop him cold.

Not again.

Elen noticed the hesitation, her playful grin fading slightly.

But before she could say anything—

"Adriel-sama, it's time to wake up—"

The door slammed open.

Titta, full of cheerful energy, froze in place, her bright expression immediately replaced with absolute horror.

Elen, pinned beneath Adriel, blinked.

Adriel, still on top of Elen, blinked.

Titta's face turned bright red. "W-WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?!"

Adriel, in classic fashion, recovered first. He immediately rolled off of Elen, sitting up with a perfectly straight face.

"Oh, thank god, Titta," he said smoothly. "Elen was about to have her way with me."

Elen snapped her head toward him, offended. "EXCUSE ME?!"

Titta's panic doubled. "E-Elen-sama! H-How could you—?!"

Elen shot up, waving her arms frantically. "I WAS JUST WAKING HIM UP!"

Adriel let out a deep sigh, shaking his head. "And what a wake-up call it was. If you had waited a second longer, Titta, I might've been defenseless against her charms."

Elen pointed at him, exasperated. "YOU WERE ON TOP OF ME!"

Titta's head spun from the conflicting information. "T-Tigre-sama needs to hear about this!"

Elen turned pale. "WAIT, NO—"

Adriel, meanwhile, grinned, casually stretching. "Well, that was refreshing. Anyway, breakfast?"

Titta pouted. "I-I was going to wake you up for it, but now—"

Adriel chuckled, patting her head as he walked past. "Appreciate the effort, Titta. But don't worry, I won't tell Tigre."

Yeah sure, I'll tell Tigre everything.

Elen groaned, muttering under her breath. "I hate you."

"You love me," Adriel corrected, shooting her a wink before strolling out.

Elen gritted her teeth, but the slight blush on her face remained.

Titta, still flustered beyond reason, quickly scurried after Adriel, hoping to regain some sense of normalcy.

Adriel strolled into the dining area with his usual self-satisfied smirk, arms stretched behind his head as if the events of the morning hadn't just resulted in complete and utter bedlam. Titta, still slightly flustered, rushed ahead to set the table, her movements just a bit stiffer than usual.

Elen followed shortly after, grumbling under her breath as she took a seat. She avoided looking at Adriel too directly, the memory of how she woke him up still fresh in her mind.

Lim was already at the table, sipping her morning tea as she observed the two. She arched an eyebrow. "Something happen?"

Elen stiffened slightly, but Adriel, ever the instigator, chuckled as he plopped into his seat. "Oh, nothing much. Just Elen getting a little too hands-on this morning."

Lim blinked. Then, her eyes flickered to Elen, who instantly went on the defensive. "That's not what happened!"

Tigre, who had just sat down, looked between them, half-asleep but vaguely intrigued. "What... did happen?"

Adriel leaned forward, smirking. "Oh, you should've seen it, Tigre. She was desperate for my attention."

Elen slammed her hands on the table, glaring daggers at him. "I WAS TRYING TO WAKE YOU UP."

Titta, serving breakfast, froze mid-step. She had been trying so hard to pretend that scene didn't happen.

Lim sighed, rubbing her temple. "I should have known something ridiculous would happen the moment Elen decided to interfere."

Tigre, still groggy, simply picked up his spoon. "As long as no one got hurt..."

Adriel's grin widened. "Well, I wouldn't say that. My personal space suffered some serious damage."

Elen grabbed a piece of bread and promptly threw it at him.

Adriel caught it effortlessly, unbothered. "See? Violence."

Titta, who had been keeping quiet up until now, finally snapped. She slammed a bowl of food in front of Elen with enough force to make the table tremble.

Elen flinched.

Titta's expression was adorably furious. "Then what did you plan on doing, Elen-sama?!"

Elen shrank slightly, sweating under Titta's surprisingly intense gaze. "I—I didn't intend on threatening him..."

Titta didn't budge. "Oh? Then what was your plan?!"

Lim, watching with mild amusement, took another sip of tea. "You should probably answer her, Elen. She looks like she's ready to actually fight you."

Tigre, recognizing the danger, decided to intervene before the tension could escalate further. "Titta, calm down. It's not like Elen meant any harm."

Titta puffed her cheeks, still clearly annoyed, but she sat back down, arms crossed in a huff. "Even so... If you do something so reckless, what if someone gets hurt?"

Elen, sensing the danger of pushing Titta further, let out a reluctant sigh. "Alright, alright. I may have been a little too forceful."

Titta narrowed her eyes. "A little?"

Elen looked away. "Fine. Maybe a lot."

Adriel snickered. "I accept your apology."

Elen shot him a look. "I wasn't apologizing to you."

Lim set her cup down, finally joining the conversation properly. "Honestly, I heard before that

Tigre was the one who wouldn't wake up unless someone shoved a sword in his mouth. But apparently, Adriel might be worse."

Tigre groaned, muttering under his breath. "I wish people would stop bringing that up..."

Adriel laughed, leaning back in his chair. "Hey, I take pride in my ability to sleep through nonsense. But I do appreciate a good wake-up call—just maybe not one that involves an ambush."

Elen rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched as if she were holding back a smile.

The tension slowly began to dissipate, replaced by the usual chaotic energy that came with having Adriel in the room.

As they finally settled into breakfast, Elen picked up her cup and spoke, her tone more casual now. "By the way—"

Tigre looked up from his meal. "Hm?"

"What do you plan on doing after I leave this place?"

Tigre blinked, slightly caught off guard. "What do you mean?"

Elen swirled her drink idly. "I'm taking most of the soldiers back to Zhcted. But in the meantime, I'll be leaving Lim as the acting governor here."

Tigre's spoon paused mid-air. "Governor...?"

Elen smirked. "This land is mine now. It's only natural that I leave someone capable to oversee it."

Tigre sat back, still processing the sudden shift in responsibility. "But even so... you're saying I should decide what happens here?"

Elen nodded. "Rim and I don't hold back when exploiting talent."

Tigre exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He already knew that nothing was ever simple when Elen was involved, but this was a new level of unexpected.

Adriel, who had been quietly observing, suddenly grinned. "So, Governor Lim, huh? That's got a nice ring to it."

Lim's expression didn't change, but her grip on her cup tightened ever so slightly. "Don't start."

Adriel leaned toward Tigre. "You realize what this means, right? You're now officially under Lim's rule. You'll have to follow her commands."

Tigre blinked, then turned to Lim, who looked back at him with a perfectly neutral expression.

"...That's terrifying," Tigre muttered.

Elen laughed. "Oh, don't worry. She'll take good care of you."

Adriel smirked. "I dunno. I kinda wanna see what happens when Tigre tries to

disobey."

Lim exhaled. "You really don't know when to shut up, do you?"

Adriel winked. "It's part of my charm."

Elen, deciding the conversation was getting too comfortable for Adriel's sake, stood up. "Well, that settles that." She stretched, then turned toward Tigre. "Next time we meet, make sure you have an answer. Decide what you want to do."

Tigre met her gaze, feeling the weight behind her words. He gave a slow nod.

Elen smirked before turning on her heel and heading toward the door.

Adriel watched her go, his expression unreadable. As soon as she was gone, he leaned toward Tigre again.

"So, be honest," he said in a low voice. "Are you excited or terrified?"

Tigre exhaled. "A mix of both."

Lim sipped her tea. "Welcome to my world."

Titta, who had calmed down significantly, sighed. "At least breakfast didn't turn into complete chaos."

Adriel grinned. "Titta, Titta, Titta... With me around, chaos is inevitable."

Lim and Tigre exchanged glances, knowing he was completelyright.

An hour later...

After breakfast, Tigre found himself standing in a dimly lit chamber within his home, staring at the black bow mounted on the wall. The heirloom of the Vorn family, an artifact of unknown origins, had been passed down for generations. Unlike normal weapons, it had an eerie, almost sentient presence.

Adriel stood beside him, arms crossed, his gaze sharp. He exhaled, tilting his head. "So... this is it, huh?"

Tigre nodded, feeling a strange pull toward it. He stepped forward, reaching out hesitantly. The moment his fingers brushed the bow, a whisper echoed in his head.

"This is no ordinary bow..."

Tigre stiffened, his grip tightening. His heartbeat quickened. "What... in the world are you?"

Adriel smirked, already knowing what was happening. "Guess it's time you two got properly acquainted." He clapped a hand on Tigre's shoulder, causing the younger man to turn in confusion.

Tigre frowned. "You say that like—"

Before he could finish,

Adriel placed two fingers against Tigre's forehead.

A jolt of energy coursed through him , sudden and overwhelming. His vision blurred, and for a brief moment, the world around him melted away.

Then—

Darkness.

And in that darkness, a voice far older, far colder, and far more calculating than anything Tigre had ever known

spoke directly into his mind.

"So... the time has come once more."

Tigre felt his breath hitch. "Who—?"

"I am Tir Na Fal. You, boy, have inherited a power beyond mortal comprehension. And now, you stand at the threshold of awakening."

Tigre swallowed hard. "This... This bow, it's—"

"A relic of war, a tool of judgment. It is your fate, should you accept it."

Tigre felt his hands tremble slightly, but before he could even attempt to respond, another voice—one far too casual for the gravity of the situation—cut in.

"Damn, you gods really know how to make an introduction sound dramatic."

There was a brief pause.

Then—

"You again."

Adriel smirked, arms crossed as he

appeared within the shared mental space, standing beside Tigre as though he had always been there. "Miss me?"

Tir Na Fal exhaled, her tone unreadable. "Bold, as always. To intrude on my domain so carelessly—"

"Carelessly? Nah, this is very intentional," Adriel corrected, still grinning. "Figured I'd skip the boring waiting period and just speed-run this little 'bonding ritual.'"

Tigre, still processing the fact that Adriel was literally speaking to a goddess like it was casual small talk, turned to him. "How are you—? No, actually— why are you here?"

Adriel shrugged. "Because I can."

Tir Na Fal chuckled—a low, eerie sound that sent a shiver down Tigre's spine. "And what, Guardian, do you intend to gain from this interference?"

Adriel's smirk never wavered . "Oh, don't worry, I'm not here to steal your champion. Just giving the kid a head start." He turned to Tigre and clapped him on the back. "Alright, sport. You've officially got a direct line to the goddess now. I'll leave you two lovebirds to figure things out."

Tigre opened his mouth to protest—

But in the next instant, Adriel was gone.

And he was alone again with the goddess.

Outside the Vorn Manor...

Leaving Tigre to sort out his divine connection, Adriel stepped out of the Vorn estate, where

Elen and Lim were waiting. The morning sun was higher now, casting long shadows across the village as Zhcted soldiers prepared for their departure.

Elen turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. "Took you long enough."

Adriel smirked. "What can I say? Bonding with a magic weapon takes time."

Lim arched an eyebrow. "And you made that happen faster... how, exactly?"

Adriel grinned. "Trade secret."

Elen sighed. "You're ridiculous."

Adriel put a hand to his chest. "You say that, but I know you're at least a little impressed."

Elen rolled her eyes but didn't deny it.

Lim, always the pragmatic one, exhaled. "Enough distractions. We need to talk about the

bigger issue."

Adriel's grin faded, replaced with his real expression—one of sharp intelligence. "Zhcted."

Elen nodded. "I have to report back to the king. With Alsace now

under Zhcted's protection, I'll need to explain the situation. The nobles might not like it."

Adriel tilted his head. "You think they'll resist?"

Elen crossed her arms. "Not openly. But they'll push back in their own ways. Some of them see Brune's civil war as an opportunity."

Adriel hummed, his fingers tapping against his side in thought. "Then I suppose I should meet the king myself."

Lim's eyes sharpened. "Why?"

Adriel's smirk was unreadable. "Because he'll need to understand

what's happening before anyone else tries to take control of the situation."

Elen eyed him carefully. "You're planning something."

Adriel met her gaze without hesitation. "Of course I am."

Lim exhaled. "And what is happening?"

Adriel turned his back to them, gazing toward the distant horizon where

Zhcted's capital lay. His voice was low, certain, and chillingly amused.

"I'm going to make them need me."

Elen and Lim both stared at him, instincts warning them that Adriel wasn't

hoping to manipulate Zhcted's leadership—

he was already three steps ahead.

For the first time in a while,

Elen felt a chill.

Days Later, Zhcted Imperial Capital, Silesia.

The journey to Silesia had been mostly quiet, save for the occasional quips exchanged between Adriel and Elen. The capital was bustling with activity, and as they passed through the streets, Adriel took note of the finely dressed merchants, armored knights, and the towering castle looming in the distance.

Elen shot him a sideways glance as they rode. "You're surprisingly quiet. That's rare."

Adriel smirked, resting his chin on one hand as he leaned forward in his saddle. "Enjoying the view. I must say, Elen, your kingdom has a certain... medieval charm."

She narrowed her eyes. "It's not my kingdom. It's my home. And what's with that tone? You make it sound like you're sightseeing."

"Aren't I?" He flashed her a teasing grin. "I insistently came along because I thought it'd be fun. And, of course, to see you squirm under royal pressure."

Elen scoffed. "You have no shame."

"Never claimed I did."

Still, something about the way Adriel insisted on coming with her gnawed at her curiosity. He was always so casual, but she had learned enough about him to know that he never did anything without reason. And he was disturbingly good at hiding those reasons.

She decided to prod. "Why do you really want to meet the king?"

Adriel tilted his head, feigning innocence. "What, I can't support my dear friend on a political visit? I even dressed up for this."

She gave him a dry look. "You're still in your traveling clothes."

"Details, details. Speaking of which, we should change before making our grand entrance. Formalities and all."

Elen sighed, shaking her head as they passed through the castle gates. The guards stiffened as they approached, but upon seeing her, they stepped aside.

Inside the castle, a maid led them to a chamber where they could prepare. Elen wasted no time grabbing an outfit and stepping behind a partition to change. Adriel, meanwhile, picked up a finely tailored outfit that had been arranged for him, inspecting it with a raised brow.

"You know," he mused, his voice carrying over the room. "I'm not used to wearing this much formality. Too stiff. But I suppose I can suffer for the sake of appearances."

Elen rolled her eyes from behind the partition. "Oh, please, you act like you're sacrificing yourself. It's just clothes."

"I have an aversion to unnecessary discomfort," Adriel replied smoothly, slipping into the tailored attire with ease.

Elen stepped out a moment later, adorned in her elegant dress, the one he had been waiting to see her in. His eyes swept over her, appreciation flickering across his face before he leaned against the wall.

"You look lovely," he commented, his tone playful but carrying an undeniable sincerity.

Elen crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Flattery won't work."

"Who said I was flattering?" Adriel adjusted his cuffs, still watching her. "If it were flattery, I'd be trying to win something from you. But this? Just an honest observation."

She hesitated, then sighed, turning away. "Whatever. Just behave yourself when we meet the king."

Adriel smirked. "Now, where's the fun in that?"

With that, they stepped out and made their way toward the king's presence, the weight of the meeting ahead slowly settling upon them.

The grand hall of Silesia's palace was an imposing sight. High-arched ceilings adorned with intricate carvings loomed over them, and chandeliers cast flickering light upon the polished stone floors. A gathering of nobles lined the sides, murmuring amongst themselves as Elen and Adriel approached the throne.

King Viktor, seated upon his grand seat, watched them with an impassive gaze. His regal presence filled the room, but Adriel's sharp eyes caught the faint signs of fatigue, the weight of ruling pressing down upon him.

Elen stepped forward, lowering herself to one knee in reverence, placing her sword, Arifar, beside her. 

"Your Majesty."

Whispers ran through the gathered nobles like a ripple in a pond. Their attention, however, quickly diverted to the man standing beside her—unmoving, his expression unreadable.

"Why is he not bowing?" a noble muttered, voice sharp with disapproval.

"Arrogant fool." another spat.

Elen turned her head slightly, whispering under her breath.

"Adriel?"

Her voice was laced with urgency.

"What are you doing?"

Adriel exhaled, tilting his head toward her with the same casual demeanor he always carried.

"Let's just cut to the chase."

The room froze.

The sheer audacity of those words—spoken so carelessly in the presence of a king—sent a visible shockwave through the chamber. The nobles stiffened, and the generals' hands twitched toward their weapons. The air itself grew heavy with disbelief.

"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK IN SUCH A WAY TO THE KING?!"

A soldier took a bold step forward, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword.

Adriel rolled his shoulders as if he had all the time in the world. With a flick of his wrist, a subtle click echoed through the room—metal groaning as the soldier's armor tightened, constricting around his mouth. He let out a muffled cry, his own equipment betraying him, leaving him struggling in place.

Elen's eyes widened.

"A-Adriel?!"

She pushed herself up from her kneeling position, voice rising in frustration.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!"

Adriel remained silent. His face, normally so expressive, had become cold, calculating.

The murmurs turned into panicked voices.

"Did he just use magic?!"

"What is this outsider?!"

"He's dangerous!"

The king's patience ran thin. His fingers curled around the armrest of his throne, his aged yet sharp eyes narrowing.

"Just who do you think you are?"

Viktor's voice rang out, commanding silence.

"Reveal yourself properly, this instant."

Adriel's grin widened.

"Me?"

He placed a hand on his chest, feigning politeness.

"Oh, I'm Adriel Josue, Your Highness. And I came alongside Elen to let you know three things:"

He raised a finger.

"One—"

His grin sharpened.

"I completely obliterated Brune's army."

A second finger.

"Two—I forced Elen to take control of Alsace. She had no say in it."

The murmurs turned into shouts of outrage, the nobles utterly scandalized by his words. Elen turned to him in disbelief, but before she could interject—

A third finger.

"And three—"

Adriel's voice darkened.

"I'm here to demand full control over Zhcted's entire army."

For a moment, absolute silence.

Then—

"WHO THE HELL DOES HE THINK HE IS?!"

"OFF WITH HIS HEAD!"

"THIS IS TREASON!"

"AWAY WITH THIS FOREIGNER!"

The entire hall erupted. Nobles shouted, some standing in rage, others gripping their seats as if to restrain themselves. The generals stood, their hands resting on their weapons. The tension was on the verge of snapping.

The king, despite his fury, remained seated. His fingers dug into the armrest of his throne, his voice filled with restrained anger.

"You..."

His gaze bore into Adriel like daggers.

"You must be that outsider... the one who fell from the sky."

Adriel shrugged.

"Yeah, that's me."

He smirked.

"What's it to you?"

"I will not tolerate any more insolence from an outsider!"

Viktor bellowed, standing at last. His presence alone was enough to force silence back into the room.

The king's glare hardened, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.

"BECAUSE OF YOU, A WAR BETWEEN BRUNE AND ZHCTED HAS COMMENCED! BECAUSE OF YOU, MY KINGDOM NOW FACES A CONFLICT I DID NOT CHOOSE! I DID NOT WISH FOR THIS! AND YET YOU—A SELFISH, ARROGANT CREATURE—CROSSED INTO BRUNE IN ZHCTED'S NAME AND SEIZED LAND AS IF IT WERE YOURS TO TAKE!"

The nobles nodded, their anger fueled further.

"What have you to say for yourself, Outsider?!"

Adriel chuckled.

Not the reaction anyone expected.

"What do I have to say?"

His tone dripped with amusement. He took a slow step forward, then another. Each footfall echoed in the chamber.

"Drop."

A single word.

And suddenly—every single soldier, every knight who had dared to raise their weapons—fell to their knees as if the weight of the world itself pressed down upon them.

Gasps filled the room.

"I don't give a shit about your opinions or how much you want me dead."

Adriel continued walking, each step cracking the ground beneath him.

"I've fought beings that can bend time and space with a flick of their wrist. Killed creatures your gods wouldn't even be able to comprehend."

His boots stopped inches away from the throne. The king, normally so composed, looked back at him in stunned silence.

"Fate itself can't stop me."

Adriel tilted his head slightly.

"What makes you think you can?"

Silence.

For the first time in a long while, no one dared to speak.

"Now,"

Adriel's tone dropped to something almost conversational.

"I could've done this the easy way. Talk things out, appeal to your reason."

He smirked.

"But I know how you royals are. You only listen when someone flexes their strength a little."

The king took an involuntary step back.

"G-Get away!"

"Relax."

Adriel chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"I'm not here to cause chaos."

He exhaled.

"Quite the opposite, really. I'm here to save your damn kingdom."

The king's eyes flickered with both rage and suspicion.

"Save? From what?"

"From yourselves, mostly."

Adriel gestured to the nobles.

"But more importantly—from what's coming."

Elen had been silent, still reeling from everything unfolding in front of her. But she finally found her voice.

"Adriel,"

she muttered, eyes searching his face.

"Who the hell are you right now?"

He turned to her, his expression softening for just a moment.

"The same guy you dragged off a battlefield, Elen."

Then his gaze sharpened once more.

"But now, I actually have a job to do."

The nobles still trembled, but one finally spoke.

"W-What do you mean, 'what's coming'?!"

Adriel exhaled.

"Let's just say Brune is already lost."

The air grew colder.

"You're lying,"

one noble whispered.

"Oh, I wish I was."

Adriel's smirk faded.

"But if you don't listen to me, I promise you... this kingdom won't be standing for much longer."

A voice, calm yet firm, interrupted the moment.

"If I may interject."

Adriel turned. His smirk returned.

"Oh?"

His tone was lighter.

"Sofya Obertas? Finally, someone reasonable."

Sofya Obertas has an elegant and regal appearance, exuding confidence and nobility. She has long, voluminous golden-blonde hair styled in an extravagant updo with cascading curls. Her hair is adorned with blue gemstones and an ornate golden crown-like accessory that adds to her royal presence. Her eyes are a piercing shade of green, reflecting a mixture of intelligence and playfulness.

She wears a sophisticated, form-fitting green dress with intricate silver and blue embellishments. The dress features a structured bodice with a gemstone centerpiece, and it seamlessly blends into a flowing, semi-transparent fabric that drapes over her legs, adding an air of mystique. Over her shoulders, she wears a white, billowy sleeve-like garment that enhances her ethereal and aristocratic look.

Accessories such as pearl chains and gemstones complement her attire, reinforcing her status. She holds an elegant staff, Zaht, as a Viralt of light-element, Zaht can generate light that is as bright as sunlight. Through its powers, Zaht is able to create light shields that are able to push its enemies back, as well as create flash lights to blind its enemies to help its user escape.

Her footwear consists of gold-heeled shoes, completing her refined and confident image. Every aspect of her attire and posture suggests she is a woman accustomed to power and attention, yet she carries herself with a poised and almost playful demeanor.

Elen exhaled sharply, still processing Adriel's sudden shift in behavior. She stepped beside him, whispering,

"What the hell is wrong with you? Do you even realize what you're doing?!"

Adriel, without missing a beat, replied smoothly,

"Oh, I do. It's just that you don't."

Elen grit her teeth.

Sofy ignored their exchange, keeping her attention on Adriel. She examined him—not just as the so-called 'outsider from the sky' but as someone who had seized the entire room's authority with sheer presence. She had spent years studying negotiation, reading people, diffusing conflicts, yet there was something about him that unsettled even her.

"You speak as though you hold all the answers."

Sofy's tone was even, diplomatic.

"Yet you ignore the most crucial part of this discussion—Zhcted is a kingdom, not a battlefield. And the army you so boldly demand is not a tool for personal whims."

Adriel chuckled.

"Yeah, I figured you'd say something like that."

The king, still standing, slammed his hand against the throne.

"Enough of this farce! I will not hear the ramblings of a delusional outsider who dares command MY kingdom!"

"Delusional? That's rich coming from a man who still believes he has a kingdom to protect."

A deadly silence filled the chamber.

The nobles looked at each other, uncertainty spreading like wildfire. The king's eyes darkened with anger, but Sofy narrowed her gaze, sensing something beneath Adriel's words.

"Explain yourself,"

she pressed.

Adriel sighed dramatically, rubbing the back of his head.

"Look, let me lay it out for you all so we stop wasting time."

He took a slow step forward, no longer playing the arrogant upstart, but someone unveiling an uncomfortable truth.

"Brune is lost."

Gasps filled the room, but Adriel continued, his tone unwavering.

"Not 'losing.' Not 'at risk.' Brune. Is. Gone. It's nothing more than a corpse wearing the skin of a kingdom, waiting to consume everything around it."

Sofy remained composed, but her fingers twitched.

"And who, exactly, has taken Brune?"

The king's voice was low, skeptical but listening.

Adriel exhaled through his nose.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Try us,"

Sofy insisted.

Adriel studied her for a moment before smirking again.

"Let's just say... something far worse than war is heading straight for you."

He looked directly at the king.

"And if you don't let me take control of your army, Zhcted will be next."

The weight of his words settled into the room.

The nobles, previously screaming for his execution, now exchanged glances filled with uncertainty.

The king, however, was not so easily moved.

"And why should I entrust my forces to you, a man who has only proven himself reckless?"

Adriel shrugged.

"Because I don't need them to win. I can do it myself."

The nobles recoiled at his arrogance, but Sofy... she caught the subtle meaning in his words.

"Then why ask?"

she asked quietly.

Adriel smirked.

"Because winning isn't enough. This world needs to survive after the battle's over."

Sofy exhaled, closing her eyes briefly. She understood now—he wasn't seeking control for the sake of power. He was making a move ahead of them all, seeing a battlefield none of them could perceive.

"This is madness!"

a noble finally snapped.

"How do we know he isn't lying? That he isn't here to destroy us himself?!"

Adriel scoffed.

"If I wanted this kingdom gone, I wouldn't be talking to you right now."

The king clenched his jaw.

"Your words hold weight, but they are still unproven."

Viktor finally said.

"If you seek my army, then prove your worth."

A smirk slowly formed on Adriel's face.

"I was hoping you'd say that."

Elen groaned.

"Oh, no. I already hate this plan."

Sofy folded her arms, her piercing gaze on Adriel.

"What do you propose?"

Adriel stepped forward, grinning.

"A game."

The nobles stiffened.

"You're demanding an entire kingdom's forces,"

Sofy pointed out,

"this is not a matter for childish games."

"Oh, but it is."

Adriel's grin widened.

"Because this is about control. And control, my dear Sofy, is nothing but a game of wits."

The king's gaze sharpened.

"What are you playing at, outsider?"

Adriel turned, facing the gathered nobles.

"Simple,"

he said, lifting his hand.

"Let's see if anyone in this room can outplay me in a battle of the mind. If they can, I walk away."

A murmur swept through the nobles—many of them outraged at the sheer audacity of his request, others intrigued.

Sofy remained silent, studying him once more.

"And if no one can?"

she asked.

Adriel smirked, his eyes gleaming with challenge.

"Then you have no choice but to follow me."

Adriel leans against the nearest pillar, the grin never leaving his face as he looks at the gathered nobles, soldiers, and Vanadis.

"Let's keep it simple. I challenge you all to a game of 'King's Gambit.'"

A few nobles scoff, some looking confused, others smirking at the ridiculousness of the name.

"What foolishness is this?"

one of them huffs.

Adriel shrugs.

"Oh, it's very simple. We each take turns playing ruler. The rules? Each person in this room has one chance to issue a command—any command—that benefits their power in Zhcted."

His grin widens.

"But the catch is, I also get one turn."

Silence.

Some still look unimpressed, but Sofya's eyes narrow slightly.

"And how do you win?"

she asks.

Adriel tilts his head.

"Simple. Whoever holds the most influence by the time the game is over—wins."

The king frowns.

"And how does one determine influence?"

"Ah, good question, your majesty."

Adriel gestures dramatically.

"It's determined by how many people in this very room are willing to follow the command issued. If the majority obeys, the player gains a point. If no one listens? They lose a point."

Elen rubs her temples.

"I already hate this."

A noble sneers.

"This is absurd. A child's game."

Adriel smirks, resting a hand against his chin.

"Oh? If it's a child's game, then you should have no problem beating me, right?"

That silences them.

Sofya, meanwhile, understands immediately—this is not a simple game of spoken commands. This is a game of power, persuasion, and influence.

It doesn't matter how many noble titles someone has. If no one obeys their words, their power is meaningless. On the other hand, if Adriel—an outsider, a stranger—can convince enough people to follow his lead, it would mean he already holds more power than the ruling class of Zhcted.

She takes a slow breath.

"You realize what you're suggesting, don't you?"

she says carefully.

Adriel nods.

"Oh, I do. And I hope everyone else realizes it too. Because the way I see it—"

He gestures around the room.

"If none of you can even win a little game of influence, how can any of you hope to lead an army against what's coming?"

The king clenches his jaw, understanding the implication behind his words.

Adriel turns to the room at large.

"So, let's play."

The nobles were still in uproar, their outrage mixing with confusion. The king's expression remained hardened, unwilling to indulge in what he perceived as a mockery of his court.

"A game? This is how you expect to prove yourself?"

King Viktor scoffed.

Adriel smirked, undeterred.

"Why not? What's a kingdom, if not one big game of influence? The only difference is that some of you think you have a winning hand when in reality..."

He stretched his arms out lazily.

"You're already losing."

Another noble, his face red with anger, slammed a hand against the table.

"This outsider is a fool! No game will decide our kingdom's fate!"

"Then you should have no issue playing it,"

Adriel shot back smoothly.

The noble stiffened, grinding his teeth.

Sofya exhaled, turning to the king.

"Your Majesty, as unorthodox as this is, I do not believe we should dismiss it outright."

The room turned to her in shock.

"Lady Obertas, surely you don't mean to entertain this madness—"

"It is madness,"

she interrupted, her voice calm but firm.

"But madness does not make it meaningless."

The king studied her before turning back to Adriel.

"If I indulge in this..."

Viktor's tone darkened.

"And you lose, you will be exiled from Zhcted immediately."

Adriel's smirk widened.

"Fine by me. And when I win?"

The king's eyes narrowed.

"If you win..."

He exhaled, anger still laced in his tone.

"We will recognize your authority over our military."

A heavy silence followed.

Elen paled.

"You can't be serious!"

"I am," the king snapped.

"Because this fool will lose."

Adriel chuckled.

"Guess we'll see, then."

He turned, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Your Majesty, would you like to take the first turn?"

The game had begun.

The court had descended into murmurs, whispers carrying speculation, skepticism, and intrigue through the vast chamber. The nobles exchanged glances, some dismissing Adriel's audacious challenge outright, others sharpening their gazes, aware that this was not mere arrogance—it was a move.

King Viktor, sitting upon his throne, let the silence stretch, his fingers tapping against the armrest in contemplation. The weight of the room's anticipation pressed heavily. He turned his piercing gaze upon Adriel, who remained utterly unfazed, his eyes reflecting nothing but amusement.

"Very well," the king finally declared, his voice firm, cutting through the whispers like a blade. "If we are to entertain this absurdity, then you shall not face just anyone."

A smirk tugged at Adriel's lips. Here it comes.

Viktor's eyes settled on the most unexpected person. "Sofya Obertas."

A ripple of reactions surged through the court. Even Elen stiffened beside Adriel, her silver brows furrowing. Sofya, seated elegantly among the Vanadis, merely blinked, her expression as gentle as ever, yet calculating beneath the surface.

Adriel let out a soft chuckle. "Oh? Quite the choice."

The king's voice carried authority. "Sofya is the arbiter of Zhcted, a master of diplomacy and negotiation. If this is to be a game of influence, then you shall face the one most suited for it."

Sofya slowly rose, her movements fluid, her presence filling the space with quiet authority. Unlike the nobles, she was neither hostile nor amused—she was studying him. That alone made Adriel's grin widen.

He had seen this type before. The kind that leads with reason, persuasion, and charisma. The kind that believes in the stability of systems, who operates within rules but bends them when necessary. But the thing about people like Sofya—

They play defense. And Adriel? Adriel devoured defenses.

Sofya let out a soft sigh, her voice carrying through the room with a graceful tone. "Very well, Your Majesty. If this is to be a contest of influence, I shall accept."

The king nodded, satisfied. "Then let the game begin."

Adriel stretched lazily, stepping forward. "Alright then, Sofya, let's dance."

To Be Continued...