7th Realm…
The news of the prison break was still fresh in everyone’s minds. Days passed without a single trace of the 513 escaped prisoners.
The arrival of Lord Loki himself, along with an army of one hundred thousand from the Nine Realms Association, couldn’t find a single clue.
In the Royal Capital’s Administrative Palace, nobles and royalty gathered in large numbers.
Today, Princess Sony of the Stick Family had arrived, accompanied by a handful of other Kings, demanding answers on behalf of their people.
“Has the date of the Trident Summit changed due to the prison break?” This single question bothered all nations.
The inquiries quickly made their way to Emperor Ryon. Ryon immediately sent his decision.
“The Trident Summit will proceed as planned. No disruptions shall alter the schedule. The summit will take place on the scheduled date.”
He passed command to the Administrative Palace wizard, who, bowing deeply, took the emperor’s command to draft a Royal Seal to confirm the decision.
Within hours, the royal decree was made public, spreading across every forum and medium throughout the Seventh Realm. Nations across the realms rejoiced, grateful that their extensive preparations and massive expenditures would not go to waste.
Yet smaller nations, with meagre forces and limited resources, felt the pressure mounting. The Trident Summit was a momentous event—which will decide the revenue share and tax payments for each nation.
The winning nation won’t pay any taxes and get 30% of the revenue given by the royal family. The reason for the Stick family’s wealth is this one condition.
Excitement and tension filled in equal measure across the Seventh Realm, with people feeling that the lockdowns and restrictions would soon end, and an economic surge was on the horizon.
The cities began bustling again, with streets filled with traders, warriors, and travellers preparing for the grand spectacle.
But in the Fifth Realm, a different kind of tension simmered.
The Fifth Realm… Stronghold of the
Nine Realms Association:
In the grand hall of the Nine Realms Association, at the entrance stood the supreme wizards from the Blue Planet, led by Wand Magus Alaric.
He was accompanied by Serpent Magus Kriya, Dagger Magus Thallic, and Guiqin Magus Selene. Normally, such distinguished visitors would be received with utmost respect, but today was different.
Today, they were made to wait from morning until late evening, their patience tested by the endless hours of silence.
“Are we… Are we really going to be left here like this?” Kriya murmured, her face twisted with frustration.
“Patience, Kriya,” Alaric said, though even his patience was beginning to wear thin. “Our goal today is crucial. We must secure the Spirit World spots.”
After what seemed an eternity, a messenger finally arrived. “The head of the Nine Realms Association, Lord Jason, will see you now,” he said with a cold face.
The group exchanged tense glances as they were led through the long corridors of the palace to Jason Mama’s personal chamber. When the heavy doors swung open, they found Jason sitting casually, his legs crossed and his expression one of detached contempt. His eyes flickered over them without much interest.
“Enter,” he said, his voice low and edged with scorn.
The wizards stepped forward, each of them conscious of the weight of the moment. Alaric took a deep breath, determined to handle the situation with as much dignity as he could muster.
“Respected head of the Nine Realms Association,” he began, bowing slightly. “We have come to request three Spirit World spots for the Blue Planet, as they were initially meant for us.
The Blue Planet has an opening point to the Spirit World, one recognized by the gods. Denying these spots would only disrespect the deities themselves.”
Jason’s eyes narrowed, his lips curling in distaste. He plucked a grapefruit from a bowl beside him, slicing it with a casual indifference, then took a bite. When he spat the seeds out, they landed inches from Alaric’s feet.
“A bunch of cunning foxes,” Jason sneered. “You come here dressed as peacekeepers, but do you think I don’t see through your tricks? I know how your association operates.”
Alaric kept his tone measured, though he could feel the tension radiating from Kriya and the others.
“Respected leader, if there’s been a misunderstanding, we are here to make amends. We come for the sake of mutual growth, for the benefit of both our association and the Nine Realms. I personally fought with my own people to bring them here, to ask for your forgiveness for any past offenses.”
Jason took another casual bite, once again spitting seeds in their direction. “Misunderstanding?” He gave a harsh, mocking laugh. “So, you’re all ignorant of the traitor you sent to the Seventh Realm? That boy—what’s his name—Kent. Or did you think I wouldn’t notice the way you paved his path to steal a Spirit World entry spot in the Seventh Realm?”
“What?” Alaric’s eyes widened, as did those of his companions. Thallic exchanged a stunned look with Kriya.
“You guys sent Kent to the Seventh Realm behind my back. All of you, you come here with your fake smiles, pretending to apologise, and meanwhile, you’ve got your people working to undermine me!” Jason sneered.
Serpent Magus Kriya couldn’t keep silent any longer. “Now I understand why the Supreme Sword Magus, Elarin, refused to come with us. That cunning man sent Kent secretly and acted like a saint, insisting he wouldn’t bow to you. What a deception!”
Alaric clenched his jaw, struggling to keep his composure. He stepped forward, his voice strained but firm. “Respected Jason, I swear on my cultivation that I knew nothing of this scheme. This was all the doing of Elarin.
Before we left, I gathered all twelve Supreme Wizards and pleaded with them to meet you in person. But the Supreme Sword Magus opposed me at every turn. Now I see why. You’ve opened our eyes today.”
Jason raised an eyebrow, a look of twisted satisfaction in his gaze. “Oh, so you’re just pawns, then? Powerless to control your own people?” His laughter echoed in the chamber like an insult.
Alaric’s face flushed. But he held his ground. “We came here with the utmost respect for you, Lord Jason. We came because the Blue Planet is desperate to restore our alliance. Whatever faults you find with Elarin, they are not our faults. I speak for all of us when I say that our intentions are genuine.”
Jason leaned back, crossing his arms. He stared down at Alaric and the others as if they were nothing more than insects beneath his boot. “Well, unfortunately for you, your pleas are wasted. Those Spirit World spots? They’re gone. Promised to others. So take your noble intentions and your grand apologies and leave.”
At this, the Minister, who had been standing quietly by Jason’s side, leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Jason’s eyes gleamed with sudden interest, and he nodded thoughtfully.
Clearing his throat, Jason straightened, his tone shifting to one of feigned concern. “However… the Nine Realms Association might consider aiding the Blue Planet’s wizards next year. But on one condition.”
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A flicker of hope sparked in Alaric’s eyes. “Anything, my lord. Name your condition.”
Jason’s smirk returned. “From this moment, the Blue Planet Wizard Association will acknowledge the Nine Realms Association’s authority over them. You will follow my commands and accept my sovereignty in all matters.”
Alaric froze, the color draining from his face. “Sovereignty… over the Blue Planet?” He glanced back at his companions, each one mirroring his shock.
Jason’s voice grew steely. “If you want those Spirit World spots, Alaric, that is my price. Submit to my rule, or leave empty-handed.”
Kriya clenched her fists, barely restraining herself. “This… this is tyranny!”
Jason chuckled, flicking another seed in their direction. “Call it whatever you like. But know that I am offering a lifeline. Refuse, and watch your precious Blue Planet crumble. So what will it be, Alaric?”
Alaric’s mind raced, each second weighing on him like lead. Finally, with a heavy heart and a pained voice, he lowered his head. “We… we accept.”
Jason clapped his hands, mockingly triumphant. “Good. Then you may leave. Return with the letter containing all Supreme wizards personal seals. Especially the seal of Sword Magus.”