“They’ve been tampering with the Human Territory. What do you have to say about this Sorcerer King?” he asked.
“I received the same report three days ago, and I’ve already begun gathering intel on them,” he responded.
“So, have you discovered anything yet?” the Council Royal inquired.
“Yes,” he answered.
“What exactly have you uncovered? Your knowledge here is very valuable,” he pressed.
“They are sorcerers practicing black magic,” he explained, then continued. “The force I deployed against them was completely wiped out… and we’ve already lost track of their current location within the Human Territory.”
(What’s Territory: A place a particular group/beings dominates. That doesn’t mean humans can’t exist in the werewolf territory, or wizards or vampires elsewhere. It’s simply a place called home.)
“I know we are among the weakest within this union, but please do anything to help us stop this bloodshed caused by these wicked sorcerers,” the Councilor representing the entire human race pleaded.
(What I know about him: He is a president and also the elected leader of the Human Union, which consists of different presidents. He represents them all.)
“We need to figure something out,” I suddenly declared out of the blue, partly out of concern and partly because I needed to start building relationships with the other Councilors. It was a necessary step toward getting closer to my goals, I thought.
“What do you suggest we do?” the Council Royal asked.
“First, it’s important that we gather solid intel on the whereabouts of these rogue sorcerers targeting humans,” he added.
“We need to deploy investigators to the Human Territory to begin proper research,” I stated. “We’ll need intel on the last known location of those rogue sorcerers that led to the dismissal of the Sorcerer's troupe. From there, we can move forward… Or else we will be acting blind if we don't have full Intel on them,” I declared, sounding like a retired general brought back into command.
“Good.”
“Councilor Valtor,” Rainlight of the Council Royal called suddenly.
“I’m all ears,” I responded.
“I want you to take charge of this as the first major task you’ll carry out for this union,” he declared.
“But… he still has his own territory to fix. Isn’t that too much of a workload for him?” Councilor Esther interjected, her concern evident.
“It’s fine. I’m ready to take on this task,” I declared firmly.
“Are you sure you’ll be fine?” she asked.
“Yes. I care about humans, and helping them isn’t a burden,” I replied.
“Thank you,” the Human Councilor said appreciatively.
“Good,” the Council Royal declared. “In that case, let me explain something clearly.”
“What do you want to explain?” I asked.
“Even though this responsibility has been handed to you to help maintain balance in the world, you need to understand that your werewolf powers alone may not be sufficient to fight sorcerer forces,” he stated bluntly.
“Is that supposed to be an insult?” I roared, slamming my hand on the table. “Don’t underestimate the werewolves.”
He smirked wildly and wickedly.
“My bad… I guess I put it the wrong way,” he declared, even though it was obvious the remark had been an indirect insult.
“Your father was my friend, and just as you said, werewolves are not to be underestimated. I fought alongside him… his speed was terrifying, quick enough to counter even someone attacking with black magic,” he concluded.
It was a good thing he acknowledged the prowess of werewolves, even though I was certain he had been insulting me earlier.
“But… we’ll need force,” he added.
“Explain clearly, Council Royal,” I demanded, and he smiled, the corner of his lips gently curving upward.
“You’ll be working with special investigators from the WBU, and they’ll report directly to you. When the time comes to attack and capture the rogue, you’ll command a section of the allied WBU forces… as you already know, they consist of formidable beings, both male and female from every territory,” he declared.
He is the Commander in Chief of the allied forces, that much I know, just as I am the Commander in Chief of the allied werewolf warriors.
Even though this was one of the tasks I intended to take on, I want to do far more than this. I needed to build bonds with everyone present. And for an unknown reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling that King Rainlight was planning something. He was clearly aware, at least partially that by taking on this task, and with my pursuit of his position, I’d be strengthening my relationships with these people, especially the human president.
That meant I was moving step by step toward my goals. Yet he was the one suggesting I handle this, even though I hadn’t initially put myself forward.
What is he planning? What exactly is he planning?
I had to be careful… and when I say careful, I mean extremely careful.
“You’ll meet those we’re sending for the investigation along with me as soon as this meeting ends. Once they’re properly acquainted with you, they’ll depart with the Sorcerer Councilor, who will provide them with data from past investigations he now considers useless,” he declared.
With that, nothing more of importance happened, and he dismissed the meeting. Afterward, I walked with him to meet the special investigators, along with…
“What’s your name?” I asked, directing the question at the Sorcerer Councilor.
“I’m Black,” he answered.
“Alright, Councilor Black,” I said. We didn’t exchange any meaningful conversation until we arrived at a particular section.
“This is the special division in charge of investigation and research,” he declared.
About three of those working in the office approached us.
“This is Scott, the head of the special division,” Rainlight introduced, and Scott bowed his head slightly in respect.
“This is Brian and Ashley. You’ll be working closely with them on this mission,” Rainlight added, looking at me.
“Brian, Ashley, you’re to leave immediately with Councilor Black to obtain information regarding the rogue sorcerers who attacked the Human Territory,” he announced.
“Okay, sir,” they chorused in unison.
“Before you follow me, it’s important you know the information may not be very useful. They’re no longer at the location where the attack occurred… The one that led to the demise of the deployed troupe,” Councilor Black explained.
“Noted, sir,” Ashley responded, while Brian simply nodded.
“Ashley, Brian,” King Rainlight called.
“Yes, sir,” they answered.
“You should know that you’ll be reporting directly to Councilor Valtor on this matter,” he clarified.
“Understood, sir,” they replied.
“He’s your superior in this case,” he added.
“You may leave immediately with Councilor Black,” he concluded.
“May we grab a few things before we depart for your territory?” Ashley asked.
“No problem,” Councilor Black replied. “You have thirty minutes before I leave,” he added.
“Brian, Ashley,” I called, and they turned their attention to me. “Take this card and contact me as soon as you find any lead. If you need to meet me, I’ll be in Windsor City. There’s almost no one in this world who doesn’t know that city.”
“Okay, sir,” Brian responded, already holding the card, as they walked away.
“I’m heading out,” I declared, turning to leave.
Black and I strolled outside together before our paths eventually split.
While in the private jet, Rho and I talked. After hearing the full report, which I had managed to condense, he finally spoke.
“Something feels very fishy.”