**Scene 07 – "The Thunder Kingdom" – "The Protected Land: The Castle"**
*Tagr arrives at the castle gates and passes through the corridor leading to the throne room… He walks on the red carpet, flanked on both sides by many warriors standing in two parallel, facing rows, fully alert. As he passes between them… they place their hands over their hearts and address him,*
*saying: "Greetings to you, O Commander…"*
*Tagr responds in kind, standing and placing his hand over his heart: "Greetings to you."*
*He enters the throne room, where the kingdom has two rulers sharing its governance. They are powerful, imposing, and wise… adorned in beautiful and solid armor. One is **Joser**, appearing calm and cold-blooded, wearing black armor with white edges and carrying a black sword. The other is **Wauzin**, serious and stern, not tolerating negligence, and carries a spear.*
*When Commander Tagr stands before them, he takes the warrior's salute as follows:*
*"Left knee on the ground, left fist to the ground, right hand over the heart."*
*He presents it, saying: "Honor and respect to you, Lord Joser… honor and respect to you, Lord Wauzin."*
*Then the rulers return the salute, saying: "Greetings to you."*
*Note: He said "Lord" and not "My Lord." You will understand why as you follow the rest of our story, but exercise alertness and careful observation.*
*Then Wauzin speaks:*
"Where is Nad? I do not see him with you. Is there a problem?"
*Tagr:* "He is at the Great River. I left him there, and there is no problem."
*Joser:* "Tagr… I ask you and Nad to be more vigilant. Patrol among the inhabitants of the Thunder Kingdom, bring me all their news and needs, and investigate any strangers."
*Wauzin:* "Are there strangers intending to spread chaos and disturb security? Is that what you mean?"
*Joser:* "That is not what I mean, but we must remain cautious and alert."
*Tagr:* "We are fulfilling our duty without negligence and ensuring the land is purified from those wishing corruption, who have become numerous recently. This made me suspicious that they have a mastermind whose intentions are not good."
*Wauzin:* "Joser, do you think Nodbarc is involved?"
*Joser:* "The ruler of Nodia is your friend and my friend. We were together in the past… Nodbarc aims only at actions that could harm the Thunder Kingdom. He likes to challenge me, and everything he did in the past was out of this challenge, nothing else. You know that well, Wauzin… I do not think he would leave the Thunder Kingdom unprotected if we were absent… Also, he has not made any move for a long time."
*Tagr:* "What worries me most are the Rotten Monsters that managed to cross the protective barrier. It puzzles me… how were they able to enter?"
*Joser:* "The protective barrier only prevents entry for the Rotten Monsters and the black toxic storms coming from the Forbidden Land. But… our gentle creatures that have turned predatory, and ordinary citizens who transformed into Rotten Monsters due to exposure to the black storms, can pass through the barrier because the blood of the Thunder Kingdom's inhabitants flows within them."
*Wauzin:* "Earth warriors and Pure Beasts are not affected by the storms, but every ordinary person or animal is negatively affected and turns into a Rotten and fierce monster…_
*And despite all that is happening, Tagr… the situation remains relatively calm, but… this will not last here nor in the galaxy. That thing will explode one day with many surprises and trials, and many are curious around it, eager to discover its secrets…*
*"And its secrets are not pleasant," he means the **Red Spiral**.*
*Joser's face shows confusion and anticipation:* "You are right."