20 The Start of a Negotiation (1/2)

Few hours after the discussion, Roland, Alethea and Pasha gathered inside a secret room in Sanctuary 3 to send off Alethea to space in her astral form. The room was customized by Celine to convert the Elder Witches into their Astral Form and provide neverending magic with mental energy to support prolonged projection. It was also off-limit from anyone else. To date, they had only used it within the planet itself but theoretically, Celine has calculated that the energy was enough for the journey after pulling 80% of the Graycastle reserve energy.

It was a risk they need to take; it was decided that they needed to start on the scouting as soon as possible. Knowing the enemy first will ensure a higher probability of success in anything they do later.

In the earlier plan, both Elder Witches should be going together while being monitored by Celine at the headquarters. However, due to recent circumstances, Pasha instead volunteered for the mission to link with the Demonic Clan while Celine was still in a coma. She knew if they send Alethea over, it will easily turn from diplomacy discussion into another war. They couldn't afford to waste time and resources since they now knew the truth. Roland knew that although Pasha also hated the Demons to the bone, she was rational enough to choose priority as proven when she decided to join Roland in the first place.

As the only person with no combat capabilities, Roland responsibilities will be monitoring both Alethea, and Celine at Sanctuary 3.

”I'm going, Your Highness, Lady Pasha.” Alethea curtsied elegantly to both of them.

”Remember, do not engage with anything you found. Immediately return and report.” Roland and Pasha worriedly reminded Alethea again.

”Stop nagging, you both. I know what I should do. Make sure you both take care of Celine for me.” Alethea replied grimly as she vanished into tiny particles.However, Pasha and Roland did not notice a strange determined glint in her eyes. She knew the 3000 years of peace may end at any moment. The time which will make her to be able to prove herself will soon come.

...

”Done with your preparations?” Roland asked the last Elder Witch in his workroom in Sanctuary 3. The spacious workroom in Sanctuary 3 was vastly different from his office in Neverwinter with a desk and French windows. This one was full of advanced partially finished gadgets and random parts. Technological staff dressed in white workclothes were scurrying around performing their own tasks.

Roland had merged both his staff with Celine's since she was in a coma. He had taken over the management of her lab too for the time being to make sure any work in progress was not affected too much without her presence.

”Yes, Your Highness.” Pasha was gallantly geared up with her dashing newly serviced and calibrated Recombinant Suit while checking on the disc attached to her gauntlets. The hoverboard was levitating beside her.

Roland came forward and made a final inspection on the suit. He paid close attention on the epaulets and the translucent cape covering Pasha's back. He nodded in satisfaction.

”I have adjusted and addressed the issues with the twin soul epaulets based on your report. The disc has also been upgraded with an increase in stability. It means a higher conversion ratio from the magic source you inputted into the magic powers used. I estimate the efficiency increased by 15% compared to earlier.” Roland explained with a calm smile.

Pasha was inwardly surprised as she knew that Celine has done her best before. Once again Roland has showed her his prowess in innovating new technology. Higher efficiency meant stronger magic power achieved with minimal energy exerted.

Roland walked back and opened a drawer. He handed Pasha a rolled up letter with his personal royal stamp.

”Seriously? A written letter?” Pasha was incredulous. It had been a long time she had not seen a physically written letter. Everything had been made easy with the invention of the VIRCOF system.

Roland chuckled, ”I've also recorded a video and had sent it over to your personal VIRCOF. The problem is, the Demons viewed us as their enemy for far too long. So we haven't establish any sort of communication with them. Another thing is, we do not know how advance they are currently. Without a suitable device to receive the video, they won't take the chance to believe you.”

”To let them see the video, you need to be near them. Will they let you go near considering that they viewed you as a threat to their leader?” Roland explained patiently.

”The letter was written on a special alloy material which are virtually indestructible. So, as long as you deliver the letter to the highest in command, the leader will certainly will be able to read the letter and decide if a meeting can take place.”

Pasha kept the letter inside a compartment on her hoverboard. Without saying anything more, she bid Roland goodbye.

She believed in Roland's foresight. Many occasions had proven his decision to be the right one.

She had plan well on what to do. Right now, she needed to retrace back the demon's whereabouts from the Dark Elves underground network. From there, she would need to get to their settlements and proceed with finding a way to get an audience with the Demonic Clan Leader.

...