The Unbreakable Bow

"What idea? "

"Let's make a deal. You can stay here and look at the books in our royal library. You might find some clues for the keys in them, and it will also help you learn our great language Celtonic,.. and why not Carthagonien? Also, if you want, we can teach you some new skills that might help on your journey. I believe that will be enough to repay you for your great deeds. "

"Er-r thank you .. but I believe that is a bit too much .."

"No no, you definitely deserve more if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't know what would happen. Honestly, I believe that I will be forced to choose between my daughter and my people. As according to their destination, that might have something to do with the Hirohasmeans. "

"Are they really this dangerous, you know ... Ryuji and the Hirohasmeans?"

"We don't know much about them. They come from a far island. If you asked three years ago, I would say they are just like other humans but ever since Ryuji took power. He expanded his domain quickly in the last years. Straight up violating the code of the C.O.T.U.R . Ever since, rumours have spread about his invincible army and his sword that cuts through anything. "

"Excuse me but what is the C.O.T...er"

"The C.O.T.U.R, yeah it took me a lot to memorise it too. The Council Of The United Realms. It is a worldwide political organisation that unites most countries. It works on justice, peace and prosperity. The one of rules in its code is that you cannot declare war without a valid reason that must be accepted by the upper council. Ryuji didn't bother giving a reason whatsoever to them. He just invaded the Nabilean states and conquered them like it was a hunting trip. Even worse is that he doesn't seem like he's going to stop there. The C.O.T.U.R has banned all trade deals with the Hirohasm empire and put sanctions on it but we still waiting for a proper response. In the meantime, the neighbouring human kingdom of Thacsia is planning for a secret coalition with us and the mighty Elfansj dynasty of the dwarfs. So..."

Aefrine was absolutely struggling to catch up with what the king was saying. He made it easy to notice...

"Anyways, don't worry about it. You don't need to know about the world politics. If you agree to our deal then you can go to sleep ."

"Ok "

Aefrine relieved that he found a solution for most of his problems, turned to go back to his lovely new bed.

"Aefrine"

"Yes ?"

"Please keep our conversation secret. And don't talk about the keys or Ryuji to anyone else. And I will take care of everything else. This is for your own safety. "

"As you wish, your majesty. Goodnight "

"Sleep tight. "

As Aefrine returned, he was met with Larry who was very worried and went checking Aefrine's face, asking him if he was okay. Aefrine barely managed to knock him off assuring him that it was great. Now they can search for information in the royal library as they like. As the moonlight casts through the window reflecting on Larry who is sitting next to the door. Aefrine closed his eyes, thinking about the black warrior named Ryuji and his mysterious soul that was like no other and his desire for conquest. He could only think that he wanted the keys to become ever stronger. He was glad he got away with them.

However, far from the orc's kingdom territories to the west, near a big city next to a river, a fortified camp stands in the middle of the plain bank. Black-clad soldiers wander the surroundings keeping check for the slightest unnatural movement. Some were riding armored dinosaurs. They stood tall on their powerful hind legs, their bodies adorned with scales and a series of bony plates running down their backs. Its most striking feature is its large, hollow cranial crest, resembling a long tube curving back from its skull.

The banners going back and forth with the dance of the wind with its black and purple stripes and its crimson-red curvy sun indicating the imperial state of the Hirohasm empire. Inside multiple camps were set. Most of them were for the soldiers' residents, with some reserved for medical care and supply storage. In an empty area, different types of armored dinosaurs were kept in huge barns. They varied from bulky ones with spiky plates on their foreheads to slim two-legged ones.

In the middle, the biggest, tallest tent stood with many guards patrolling it as two men entered into its inner circle. The room was lit by small lanterns eight on each side of the circular room. The floor was covered with magnificent red-black carpets in the middle stood a wooden support covered with the decorative placing. On it was placed a map with wooden small figures of warriors placed in various locations each holding a small symbol on them. At the back of the room, stood a silk throne behind it a mighty katana hidden in its decorative sheath was hung on the wall. It was Ryuji's katana.

Sitting on the said throne , was the shogun still wearing his armor and oni mask waiting silently cross sitting. On the right side in front of the map a bit away from his master was the same warrior that accompanied him to Nadhour: Miyamoto. He also sat crossed, still wearing his red armour except for his helmet that was on his left.

The two guards with a spear in one hand opened the curtains of the entrance with the other, as two men entered. They bow down on one knee. The one on the right was a black ninja who was kneeling with perfect poise, his attire adorned with striking white stripes. On his chest, a fierce white tiger symbol gleams, a testament to his strength and agility. The one on the left however was an admiral that stood tall in his formidable armor, a striking combination of black and grey. Emblazoned proudly on his chest was the iconic symbol of resilience and endurance, a black turtle. The shogun raised his hand indicating that they had his permission to sit. They both sat crossed on the left side of the table with the admiral being on the throne's side of the room and the ninja on the entrance's side.

"Kaito give me your report "

"Well, my master there was uprising in the city of Canne. No need to worry, of course, we stopped it and caught the leaders and all were executed for treason by trial. Other than that, the administration of land has been distributed just like we have planned. The supply lines are connected. And for the time being, we don't need to worry about economic issues. It's only the Republic of Sofax that is still sending envoys to discuss their surrender terms. I have been answering their requests just like you have ordered but I believe that taking the city by force will be the best option. We have the capability to do it, sir. And we are in a race against time. We never know what the C.O.T.U.R might be up to. "

"Kaito, the city of Sofax is not an ordinary coastal town that you used to seize in one day. I believe patience is not a bad option," said Miyamoto calmly.

Kaito gave a dissatisfied look saying:

"What I was saying is that seizing Sofax will be a great tactical advantage for us. The Republic holds many overseas colonies in various and vital locations around the Vandalic Sea. If we take it, the sea will be ours. " He now looked at his master.

"I believe that we should not waste a single moment and attack with all our forces before something else happens. I would also like if we divide the kingdom of Thacsia since it will be our next natural target. "

"In that case, let's hear Rin's report shall we?" Replied Ryuji

"My lord, I have good news and bad news. "

"Always start with the bad news "

"Then I am afraid that our connections to the Elfansj dynasty have been cut off. It seems that our spies were discovered. "

"I think that is a fair warning that the global powers are not easily shaken, my lord." Pointed out Miyamoto. Kaito's eyes rolled looking at him.

"But we managed to catch a rumour that most of the navy of the United Kingdoms of Carthagonia is in the far north-east. So they won't be a trouble for now, it seems"

"They wouldn't interfere directly anyway. I am sure that they have their plans. Continue Rin what about the other nations ?"

"Well for the kingdom of Thacsia, their recent king is arrogant and rash, he is preparing for a major naval attack, in the next two months, on the Odalu straits, acting like he is defending the Nabilean states but in reality, he plans on increasing their influence in the region taking advantage of the weakling of the Republic..."

He lent his hand forward taking the figure that had a crown engraved on it and putting it next to two figures one with a curvy sun and the other with four triangles looking down from the top.

"...and he has made an alliance with the Elfansj dynasty and they too will be sending the newest warships to this assault.." Now he took the most southern figure that had a hammer and a pickaxe engraved on it and put it next to all the others...

"See Kaito, I told you we shouldn't be reckless. If we proceed with your plan, we will be surrounded with enemies in front of us and behind us " Kaito looked away in disbelief.

"The kingdom of Tabollba is also a part of this planned coalition. "

"And what is their response?"

Everyone's attention was held to the most eastern figure that was engraved with a fierce T.rex head.

"No need to worry my master, they are mostly likely going to avoid this war. They still haven't responded yet, but the politics going on there is enough for them to stay neutral. And I think I have-"

"My lord may I suggest that we attack Sofax now before the combined fleet comes.With project 'Katto' ,they will fall quickly and their huge fleet will be a great boost to ours ."

"Well, Kaito I am afraid that I am the one with bad news to report. Both projects 'Katto' and 'Unmei' have faced difficulties that might lead to changes in plan ."

Both of the new arrivals were shocked by this news.

Rin asked immediately:

"My lord, this grave news bothers me but what bothers me the most is that I can't understand what went wrong with project 'Katto' ?

"I believe that I have found an unbreakable bow.. "