Chapter 11
Strategic Asset (Reluctantly Classified)
They did not return to a hero's welcome.
They returned to paperwork.
Sam stood in the Royal Strategy Hall while three ministers argued in increasingly polite tones.
"He must be designated a National Strategic Asset."
"He cannot be left unaligned."
"He sneezed a calamity into nonexistence."
Sam raised a hand, "That was one time."
Theo coughed. "It was not."
Mira stood beside him in full armor, expression neutral but eyes faintly apologetic.
The High Minister turned, "Master Sam, the Kingdom faces an unprecedented threat. The Sovereign itself manifested."
"Yes," Sam agreed. "That was excessive."
"We must formalize your position."
"I decline."
"You cannot decline existential defense!"
"I absolutely can."
Darius leaned toward Lyra. "He's going to bend the concept of bureaucracy, isn't he?"
Lyra whispered back, "I hope so."
The Minister cleared his throat, "If you will not accept rank, then perhaps a symbolic role? Supreme Guardian?"
"No."
"Celestial Overseer?"
"No."
"Visiting—"
"No."
The air hummed slightly.
The Minister paused, "…The paperwork just reorganized itself."
Theo leaned over the table, fascinated.
"The ink is rewriting into a nonbinding advisory clause."
Sam looked mildly annoyed.
"I dislike binding language."
Mira stared at him.
"You just edited legislation."
"I adjusted phrasing."
The Minister swallowed.
"…Then we will record you as 'Independent Ally of the Realm.'"
Sam considered.
"That is tolerable."
Darius blinked. "You negotiated with the Kingdom."
"I reduced obligation density."
Theo whispered reverently, "He negotiates with reality like it's a draft contract…"
Before anyone could speak again, a scout burst in.
"Report! All monster forces have withdrawn ten miles beyond every frontline!"
The room fell silent.
Mira turned to Sam slowly.
"You did not—"
"No."
Theo's eyes sharpened, "They're adapting again."
Sam felt it too.
The Sovereign's presence had shifted.
Less probing.
More deliberate.
"It is building something," Sam murmured.
The Minister stiffened.
"What kind of something?"
Sam looked east.
"…Not an army."