"My King and Great Albert, may both of you focus on what I am about to say,"
Lina asked with a serious voice, stopping Zoey and Albert from fighting as Zoey patted Albert's head.
"Sh*t your pants, moron!!"
Zoey said to Albert with a rude tone.
Albert only smiled, though there was a hint of insult in his expression.
"I am very sorry, Lina. You may now continue,"
Albert said, bowing his head as an apology for his earlier behavior.
"It is my duty. Now, my point is that before you fight Abaddon, you must be aware of the capabilities of their generals' artifacts and also understand what causes them to oppose the world and wage war to become the sole rulers,"
Lina explained.
Albert focused his attention, eager to learn more about Abaddon. Meanwhile, Zoey, sitting on her throne in her King's clothing and crown, slid her back against the seat, tired, and yawned.
"The Abaddon, first known as the League of Hunters, appeared in the far north. The north is full of mysteries, as no one is able to survive its never-ending storms. But we confirmed there is a village beyond the valley of storms, and that village is where most of the fifteen generals and three thousand soldiers led by the Wielder of Life came from.
They first came here without bloodshed, with a proposal to the King a year ago. They demanded that the King give up his throne and convince the chiefs of the Drylands to submit under him.
But such a foolish proposal became the reason why our former King declined and warned them to forget about it unless they wished to fight the world.
Yet they insisted that if the King would not follow their demand, the world would face its end at the hands of a being beyond human comprehension.
The King did not believe them, and so, it led to a year of bloodshed,"
Lina said, recalling how brutal the past fight with Abaddon was.
Albert tapped her shoulder, comforting her.
"Then Lina, will you explain to me what caused the death of the King's only son, your husband?
Of course, if you don't want to, it's okay,"
Albert asked with a soft voice.
He had discovered the truth not by gathering information but through observation, careful assumptions, and clarifications.
Why would the King choose summoning to decide his successor? Albert had known about the prince since he first met Lina disguised as him. She had never mentioned the prince, but Albert noticed it through her expression when looking at the ring on her hand, a ring symbolizing her as the wife of royal blood.
"I'm so sorry, Albert, but we must focus on the present... am I right?!"
She answered with a smile, a mixture of comfort and pain in her heart.
Zoey had already fallen asleep on her throne.
Albert and Lina lay down to rest on the shiny red floor in front of the throne, where Zoey was sleeping soundly, mumbling names of foods from her world.
"Fried chicken... slimy brain... toasted human fle... Albert is a co..."
Zoey mumbled.
Albert and Lina ignored her.
"Then, will you elaborate the names and abilities of Abaddon's generals?"
Albert asked.
Lina answered, sharing the names and abilities of Abaddon's generals and the powers of their artifacts.
The fifteen generals were considered the strongest known Wielders in the world. Out of three hundred Wielders, they were the most dangerous. Most of these generals came from the northern village, independent and unknown to the rest of the world.
First was Carl Aithon, also known as Walking Ghost. His artifact was a pointy, needle-like iron. It had the power to bend distance and space. He was the strongest of all, undefeated in direct combat. He could travel long distances in the blink of an eye, and reports claimed he could kill his enemies while their bodies still stood.
Second was Seviem Dhred, known as Abyss Opener. Around thirty years old, he was the second strongest. His artifact was a small hammer. With one smash, he could create a massive hole in the earth.
Third was Soveic, a woman in her twenties. She had no family, which meant she was orphaned before the age of twenty, since orphans below twenty lost their family name unless adopted. Known as the Loner Snake, her artifact was a long necklace hanging from her arms. It created illusions to scatter enemies, allowing her to hunt them one by one with her poisonous blades.
Fourth was Setaria Lume, the Fate Twister. She had pink hair, and her artifact was unknown. Some claimed she could turn back time and change events of the past. Despite lacking combat abilities, she was considered one of the greatest threats.
Fifth was Swan, the Raging Storm. His artifact was a spear that could launch a scorching fireball. He had the highest kill count among the generals. Fortunately, Albert had already killed him.
Sixth was Brind Tuandet, the Havoc Clearer. His artifact was a curved blade capable of cutting through space and absorbing anything he wished.
Seventh was Leonsorod Cttuer, the Piercer of Hearts. His artifact was a bow that charged arrows with unique effects when they pierced the hearts of enemies.
Eighth was Quartienle Fliem, the Seducer of Cowards. Her artifact was a mirror that imbued hearts with irresistible desire to approach her.
Ninth was Walint, the Old Warrior, once a loyal official of Wenthoriz who betrayed the King. His artifact was armor that gave him immense physical strength and speed, fighting as though he were not an old man at all.
Tenth and Eleventh were twins sharing the same artifact, a pair of brown gloves. When pressed together, they created a giant blue barrier that protected allies. Their names combined into one: Florariam (Flora and Riam). They were a boy and a girl, both under the age of ten.
Twelfth was Absalom, the Cleric of a Devil. His manner of speech and clothing reflected his priestly role. His artifact was a small bowl that could shrink and trap anyone inside if they begged him for mercy.
The Thirteenth to Fifteenth generals were still unknown, their powers yet unseen.
Finally, there was the Wielder of Life, also known as The Hero Who Abandoned His Life. His artifact was unknown, but every surviving soldier who fought him claimed he was the reason the three thousand under his command were unkillable.
Lina finished her introduction of the enemies Albert would face. Some details were still unclear, but this was all she had learned through past battles.
"Are you tired? I'm very sorry I took so long... but Albert, can you win?"
She asked, concerned if her and Zoey's decision to send him alone was wise.
"No. I'm sure those delusional barbarians will meet their demise at my hands. And your decision is the most practical one, Lina,"
he answered sincerely. He was impressed by how she remembered the names and backgrounds without reading from a scroll, proof she was always prepared.
"Thanks, but it wasn't really me who decided, it was our sleepy King right here who came up with this practical plan, Albert,"
she said, chuckling in relief.
"Oh, I know... she already has my power, so she must know how strong I am. There's no way she wouldn't trust me to win alone,"
Albert said, smiling as he stared at Zoey's sleeping face, her mouth slightly open.
"Yeah... So now, Albert, face the citizens with the King tonight before you go beyond the walls to face Abaddon,"
Lina declared, standing before him and pointing her finger.
Albert then carried Zoey to her room in the King's Chamber. At first, he hesitated, but Lina insisted and immediately left. Lina then spread the news about the new King and the second High Sovran in the kingdom's history to the citizens, with the help of her guild, the Spy Guild.
"Death is near to those who seek life, but life is abundant to those who forsake it,"
spoke a being above the sky, a formless, faceless entity that could still speak.