"The war against the El Bacteria is still underway," Sephiss began, his voice a low, resonant rumble. "The King's plan to wage war against the Animal Kingdom for their treason and the hijacking of our cargo ship remains active, but I am still awaiting his word on when to send our troops. The conflict with the animals should commence within a week's time, but I must speak to the King on the matter to finalize our orders."
Another elder, Avastma, a woman with sharp features and an even sharper mind, chimed in. "I have received secret intelligence, Elder Sephiss. The Zoner Knights were involved in the hijacking. It was not just the work of wild animals."
Sephiss's eyes narrowed to thin slits. "The Zoner Knights are nothing more than pesky flies. I will see to it that they are punished by our loyal lackies the Artimancers. Isn't that right Levin."
Levin, a burly man standing 6'1, remained stationed by the door.
"Yes, Lord Sephiss," he answered, voice firm.
Sephiss leaned forward, his tone sharpened like a blade.
"You have a child with one of the royal knights, don't you?"
Levin's jaw tightened. "Yes... his name is Levy."
A smirk curled across Sephiss' lips.
"Well, I do hope you're teaching the boy his place in society. You Artimancers may have a little more breathing room than the Zoners... but don't forget, you're still beneath the Royals."
Levin met Sephiss' gaze with an icy stare, silent but unflinching.
Sephiss waved a hand dismissively, as though the exchange bored him.
"See to it that you handle the Zoner Knights. There are far too many of them anyway. Be discreet."
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Levin bowed his head, though his eyes still burned cold.
"Yes, my lord." Levin took his leave.
Sephissc ontinued "tell me, Avastma, how are you faring with your duties as head of the Delta unit?"
"All of our Delta robots are up to date with their upgrades," she replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "We are well ahead of schedule for the release of newer models. I have even reached out to the Gods of Arlvine, to send us a more advanced Sedmo model."
"That model, the X-22?" Sephiss asked, a flicker of concern on his face. "It is very expensive. It may not be in our budget, and if we do acquire it, it will hit us quite hard."
Avastma's expression remained unfazed. "That is why I went into the surplus of Deer Point's budget. The Royal Family's budget. I decided to get at least one X-22 robot due to the fact that I heard the Sedmo Model 'Zedmorench' was destroyed in the forest by the Animal Kingdom. Rumor has it a little boy with a superior Art ability destroyed the robot, but that has not been 100% confirmed."
Sephiss gave a slow, deliberate nod. "Your prudence is wise, Avastma. We must be prepared." He then turned to Elder Fanok, a stocky man with a grim expression. "And the Selection, Fanok? Your preparations?"
Elder Fanok cleared his throat. "I have already organized to have the Selection finalized. It should be taking place within the next two or three days. I plan on making it a public visual, not only to instill fear into the Zoners but also to invigorate the citizens of the Royal Districts and to bring honor to the King's name."
"A sound strategy," Sephiss said with a look of approval.
His gaze then shifted to Elder Domain, who was in charge of the Royal Districts' safety. "All of the electro-barriers are up to date," Domain affirmed. "I've also ordered thousands of new converter food machines to be ahead of schedule for the acceleration of the Selection, which will exterminate the Zoner population."
This news seemed to comfort Sephiss. He closed his eyes for a moment, absorbing the reports of his fellow elders. The meeting was concluded, and the elders dispersed, their silent footsteps echoing as they left the chamber.
As Sephiss was about to leave, a small holographic screen on his wrist lit up. It was a call from Instructor Kishami. Sephiss accepted it. "Instructor, what is your report?"
"Elder Sephiss," Kishami said, his voice brimming with excitement. "The students of the MRI have officially finished their final exams. We have a young man who has scored the highest in the final exams to ever score. It is an unprecedented achievement."
"And the young man's name?" Sephiss asked, his interest piqued.
"His name is Venku," Kishami replied.
A rare smile touched Sephiss's lips. "Give him my congratulations. I would certainly like to meet him. I can arrange that. I will be by the school later to attend the annual graduation ceremony."
Sephiss ended the call. He walked over to a stone pedestal in the center of the chamber and placed his hand on a large, ancient-looking book. Its title was embossed in worn gold: "Damon's Penalty," the Book of Philosophy, a Weapon of Fate. An eye steadily poped from the book surveying the room.
"The time will come," he whispered to the empty chamber, "when the King will not only rule Deer Point but will stretch his reign beyond the skies."