The echo of footsteps could be heard from the marble passageway behind the two portals. They drew closer until abruptly stopping with the sound of a muffled voice, “I bring thee thy report. Requesting permission to enter, Your Majesty.”

“Enter.”

As the grand doors swung open, the massive chamber inside was revealed; it was circular in shape and colored in the purest of white with gold embellishments, the vaulted ceiling practically reaching the heavens. At the far end of the room was a man wearing a brilliant crown, sitting atop an ornately decorated throne of gold, draped behind him was a stately banner embroidered with the Sigil of Light. His regal bearing fit to be none other than King Solum of the Solatellusian Empire.

As the Royal Secretary approached the throne, he dropped to one knee and extended the document toward the King. “The report, Your Majesty.”

He took the report from the Secretary’s grasp and his eyes began to widen in disbelief at the words he was reading. “Damn it! First, the skirmishes between the Demi-Beast Kingdom, and now this? When can I wash my hands of these filthy mongrels?” By the time he had finished, his hands were resting above his brow in frustration. “Eldridge, summon the Avatars. Have them convene here on the 18th hour of the new moon.”

Surely this must be some sort of mistake. There is no possibility that this warrants them to take action, were the words he wished to voice, but he bit his tongue at his own hesitation. “Consider it done, Your Majesty.”

As Secretary Eldridge left the chamber with haste, a mysterious woman, dressed in all black garments and a mask concealing her face from below her eyes, emerged from behind the throne.

Looking over his right shoulder, King Solum’s eyes met with those of the maiden who had nestled up against him, her voluptuous breasts embosoming his arm. “You will be participating in this conference as well. It seems we may need someone with your particular ‘skill set’ for the events to come.”

She removed her glove and began caressing King Solum’s cheek, tracing her thin, willowy fingers down his neck and finally stopping at his chest. She leaned in closer and whispered seductively into his ear, “Of course. Hee~hee. I will give you whatever you desire, my Lord.”

“The entire village was obliterated along with Knight-Captain Grayford and his men. It has only been one day since then, but their bodies were completely decayed.” Continuing, “Not only that, but more peculiar is the situation of the two knights outside of the village. There is obviously more than one accomplice in this scenario.” Glancing over the document once more, “Those damned monsters are a blight upon this land... It’s unbelievable is it not?”

“Indeed it is, my Lord. What do you plan on doing with this information?” She asked, resting her head upon King Solum’s shoulder.

Turning his attention toward her again, he wore a look of confidence upon his stern face. “I would be a foolish king if I only acted upon a single account; I must first gather intelligence on this new enemy that has made a mockery of my authority.” His serious demeanor lightened with a slight grin. “That’s where you come in, my dear Erelia.”