154 The Empire (2/2)

I raised a hand, ”Aren't they large, four-legged, flying amphibians?”

”Ah, well yes.”

I lowered my hand, ”Then I killed one earlier.”

Aric laughed, ”That's what the scout reported. Anyways, long ago, The espens and gialgathens fought one another. A gialgathen named Lehesion brought peace to both races. He's now worshipped as a god by both races.”

Torix chimed in, ”He's much like Xyjalus Moranor of Deprima then.”

Aric raised a finger, ”A perfect example of the same effect. A mortal becomes deified for accomplishing something extraordinary.”

We passed by several doorways as I cut on my intercom, ”Who is Xyjalus Moranor?”

Torix turned to me, ”He's a magician from my home world. He's quite famous across the galaxy for his deeds.”

”Why did you never mention him?”

Torix shrugged, ”I was far too focused on what was happening in front of us. It's quite difficult to discuss history while making it.”

I laughed, ”Good point.”

Aric looked back and forth between us, ”Are you two done speaking with one another?”

I closed my intercom, ”Yeah.”

Aric looked forward, a bit miffed, ”Anyways, since then the gialgathens and espens have lived in a relative harmony. Schema has done much to displace the previous balance of power.”

I interrupted, ”You say anyways a lot.”

Torix nudged my elbow, ”He does, doesn't he?”

Aric sighed, ”As I was saying, in honor of Lehesion, there is a tournament hosted across all nations. Each town hosts their own tournament, deciding on a single victor. These winners are sent to the capital, letting them battle one another. The victor is rewarded with a religious artifact of Lehesion.”

I nodded, ”And Caprika needs somebody to go in there and represent the Empire?”

Aric turned down a corner of a hallway, ”You've gotten it.”

We reached a set of golden doors. Literal gold, not sort of gold. I laughed at the ridiculousness of it. I turned to Torix. I spoke in a mock rich person's accent,

”Oh, as you can see, they've spared no expense in their doorways.”

Torix picked up on the joke, making his own mocking voice,

”Oh most indubitably.”

I held out a pinky like I was holding tea, ”The sheen is simply sumptuous.”

Torix did the same, ”And the craftsmanship splendiferous, truly.”

I nodded, ”Ah yes, truly.”

Aric let out a fake laugh, ”Oh hah hah, you're both hilarious. You should both straighten up your act. Beyond this door is Caprika's meeting chamber. Here she will test you both.”

Torix raised a palm towards Aric, ”Don't mind us. We're just having a bit of fun.” Torix turned back to me, ”It's rejuvenating to let loose after all these years.”

I grinned, ”I know. At this rate, you might even make Kessiah laugh at some point.”

Torix waved away my concern, ”I'm not a miracle maker, disciple.”

Aric tilted his head, his eyebrows creased,

”Caprika is a high ranking noble of the Empire. She can give you both tremendous status and many rewards. This is golden opportunity for you both. Take it seriously, or else you risk wasting Caprika's time.”

I shook my head, ”Here's the thing. If she can't handle being spoken to like an equal, I don't think I'm the one wasting her time. She's the one wasting mine.”

Aric raised both his hands, ”The issue is in how the Empire handles these matters. You both are newcomers. Your status is the lowest of the low. To interact with royalty, you need humility. Not just in your wording, but in the language of your body.”

I stepped up, pushing open the doors, ”I don't plan on being disrespectful or anything. Relax.”

The doors opened, revealing a throne room. Above the archways, several overhead lights landed on a golden chair. Gems encrusted it, each of them charged with mana. On the seat, a giant, furred creature sat.

Its hair was white, and the mane covered everything besides its claws. She had a feminine figure, though pretty bulky. As she shifted, muscles rippled beneath the surface of her skin. She was a beast through and through.

A circular, red mask covered her face. Holes were bored into it. No light entered the mask, leaving her face darkened. She propped her head on her right arm, looking lazy and uninterested. With her left arm, she tapped her red claws on the throne, her boredom apparent.

I analyzed her,

Caprika Novas(lvl 5,000) - An actual member of the Empire's origin species, the albony, Caprika is strong. Their species natural strength and sharpened senses enhance their overall cunning. Combine that with substantial investment in charisma, and the albony can be imposing, to say the least.

Being a member of the Empire, status represents everything to Caprika. That is why she was sent here. She failed an ascension mission for a ruling prince of the Empire. With no way of moving up, she's become desperate and bored.

Her combat abilities don't match yours. Don't underestimate the threat she can pose given time, however.

I raised my eyebrows, ”She's more impressive than I thought.”

Torix nodded, ”And a real albony in the flesh. It's been centuries.”

Caprika sighed. She raised one finger, pointing at Aric, ”Leave.”

Aric bowed, closing the doors.

With a relaxed and commanding voice, Caprika continued, ”You are the warriors that the scout informed me of?”

I shook my head, pointing at my chest, ”Not both of us, just me.”

Caprika looked me over, reading a status. Her claws stopped tapping on the throne. She sat up, leaning towards the invisible status in front of her. The albony looked between me and her screen. She leaned back into her chair,

”Interesting...It's good to meet you, Harbinger.”