After a short while, the group stopped in front of a wooden door. The laboratory was known by only a limited number of people in the country, and the research conducted here was carried out with great secrecy. Therefore, despite the objections of all the commanders, including Flavia, Flarka did not listen to any of them. Flavia attempted to talk to her brother one last time, but Flarka opened the door. The door opened with a loud noise, and they seemed to enter a completely different room. The size of the room even surprised Sakha. Three-dimensional animations, telescopes of various sizes, various models, and a variety of products awaiting development were found throughout the room. More than twenty scientists were working even at this late hour. At the far end of the room, there was a massive library. Several scientists were gathered together, working on a set of formulas written on the board. Flarka continued walking straight to the very end of the room without looking anywhere. The group followed him from behind. Sakha, on the other hand, was captivated by the enchantment of the room as it was the first time he had seen such a thing, and Kierra had to nudge him to get his moving. After a short walk, they saw various pictures projected onto a large curtain. Some of the pictures were pitch black, while others depicted various shapes. When Sakha examined the shapes more closely, he realized that these pictures represented the creatures discovered in Unhroba. Looking at the details of the work, it was evident that it had been a study of at least 20 years. Sakha was amazed by the kingdom's unchanged policies over the years. Watching Sakha for a while, Flarka began to speak and started showing him around the laboratory. "As you can see, we don't waste our time here. This place is not only one of the most important scientific centers in this country but also in the whole world. We compare the teachings of philosophers who lived in the past with the knowledge we acquire here. The information we gather helps us better understand the world we live in. We conduct research in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, astrology, and many other positive sciences."
After walking a few steps, they stopped in front of a colossal clock, and Flarka turned to Sakha and asked, "Do you know what this is?""In almost every important center I visit in different countries, there is one of these. It's used to show the time."
"Yes, that's correct. This way, it prevents misunderstandings that could arise during important meetings, conferences, and agreements. The time at which every international agreement is signed is written under the agreement."
Flarka walked a little further, with Sakha closely following behind. They stopped in front of another model."So, do you know what this is?" Flarka asked.
"To be honest, I have no idea."
"That's perfectly normal. This model is usually found in more official scientific centers. It represents a solar system. It shows the positions of the planets and their movements around the sun. These small objects you see represent the planets. The circular wires they are attached to depict their orbits throughout the year. And this large yellow object is the sun. The planets orbit around the sun following these paths throughout the year. It took us a full 100 years to create this model."
As you can see, this place is not only the most important scientific center in this country but in the world. Almost all the scientific developments that deeply impact the world occur here. Much of the information you find in books you read from all around the world is shared from here. Come, there's something else I want you to see."
Flarka stopped in front of a larger object this time. Sakha immediately understood what it was. Before Flarka had a chance to ask, Sakha began speaking.
"A large world map. This, this is incredible! You haven't missed a single detail. Even the elevations of the mountains are accurately represented!"
Sakha couldn't take his eyes off the map. Among all the remarkable Works he had seen in the laboratory, this was the most impressive. His admiration for the map was evident in his tone of voice. The reaction he received satisfied Flarka enough. He began explaining the map:
"This is a three-dimensional world map. Everything is positioned according to its real-life dimensions. It provides us with all the information we need about even the most remote corners of the world. We already learn everything we need to know about a place long before sending our troops thise. And we don't even have to make any effort for it."
"It's truly an extraordinary work." Sakha continued to gaze at the map with admiration for a while. During this time, he didn't hold back expressing his awe out loud. However, he suddenly paused and turned to Flarka.
"No one has been able to see it yet because it hasn't been discovered. You mentioned that you left the continent 10 years ago. How did you leave the island? Which country did you first set foot in?"
"Our country's borders are closed, and leaving the continent is considered equivalent to betraying the homeland. So I had to buy a fishing boat. I tried to lose myself by taking the longest route possible. When I set foot on land, I was on the verge of death, but even when I reached the shore, I wasn't entirely free. I had entered the territory of the monks,"he said, pointing with his finger to the mountainous region as the farthest corner of the world.
This time, it was Flarka who was surprised."You entered the land of the monks and came out alive?" he asked.
"I think they took pity on me. They fed me, healed me, educated me, and when they deemed it was time for me to leave, they sent me away."
No one could respond to what was being told. The monks were known as a secluded people who detached themselves from society. No one sees them, and if someone does, they are not allowed to live. They settle in the highest peaks of the mountains and don't allow anyone to enter. However, this stranger continued to disrupt everyone's perceptions in many ways.
Flarka didn't dwell on the topic for too long and steered the conversation back to the main subject."What can you tell me about this painting that I don't know? What exactly are we facing here?"
"From the arrangement of the figures, I can deduce that you have deciphered the hierarchy among these creatures. Skarts," (pointing to the shape at the bottom of the painting) "occupy the lowest layer of these abominations. They have weak wills and can be easily controlled by others. However, they can be incredibly dangerous when used correctly. Generally, goblins can control these creatures." (His hand moved to the next painting) "Of course, their numbers are fewer, but since they lack unity among themselves, each goblin has their own army. These abominations even fight among themselves. However, goblins look a bit different from their depictions here. They are larger, slightly hunched, and green in color.
"Above the goblins, you will find Pestlers, whom you are familiar with. This group has its own will and hasn't shown a hostile attitude so far. However, not all Pestlers are in their own country; there are still malicious Pestlers in Unhroba. Of course, their numbers are low, so they have lost their former dominance.
"Lastly, at the top of the food chain in Unrhoba, we have the most dangerous warriors, the wizards. They haven't descended into the battlefield for many years, so it's understandable that you don't know about them. But you need to place them at the very top of this painting. They possess the same qualities as humans, with the only difference being their appearance. They are highly intelligent and were created solely for war. Although wizards are the second most dangerous predators on Earth after dragons, they seem like angels of goodness compared to dragons."
On the side of the painting, as you can also see, there is an uncategorized image: wolves. These creatures, although resembling the wolves we know in general appearance, are much larger and much stronger. Due to their nature, they don't submit to anyone's control and usually roam in packs, free and untamed.
At this point, the country's biggest problem will come from goblins. As you have guessed, Skarts don't possess the intelligence to find their own way and infiltrate the country on their own. There is at least one goblin plotting this. If two goblins have joined forces, you will need to form a medium-sized team for the operation.
When Sakha finished his explanations, Flarka took a deep breath. Rhadam and Marek were looking at each other with eyes wide open. Kierra, trying to remain composed, was trying to process what he heard internally. After taking a couple of steps back, Flarka made eye contact with Flavia. Flavia was following the events with great concern. After looking at his sister for a while and rubbing his forehead, Flarka began to speak hesitantly:
"If we accept what you said as true, even if there is no dragon threat, I will need to send an army of at least a thousand soldiers to the south. You witnessed the destruction caused by a dragon before. What should we do? What kind of dragon attacked your country?"
"It was a fire dragon. I had never heard or seen such destructive power before. The best we can do is to protect the people from the attacks of Skarts and goblins and evacuate the cities we see as endangered. I don't think large armies stand much chance against a dragon."
Sakha momentarily recalled the old days, and a sudden sadness overwhelmed him. Unconsciously, he began to touch the bracelet he never took off from his left wrist. He didn't realize that tears were welling up in his eyes as he absentmindedly played with the wolf head attached to the black leather cord.
After observing the sadness and helplessness in Sakha's tone, Flarka started to stroke his chin with his hand and watched him for a while. He was wavering between trusting what he said and not trusting it. Sakha, on the other hand, seemed completely absorbed in his bracelet. After remaining silent for a while, Flarka began to speak, causing Sakha to suddenly startle and turn towards him.
"Then it will be a rescue operation. The primary goal of the soldiers will be to evacuate the civilians in that area to safe zones. Although I still don't fully understand your role in this story, it seems like I have no choice but to trust you."
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