"Forgive me, but can you repeat that?" On the beach, serenaded by lapping waves, chopping wood, and the rustic smell of salty freedom, Kang Konglu stared at the draconian before him. Zeing's punch permanently destroyed the dreaded vortex, freeing the giants from their millennium-long commitment. Without that covenant hanging over their heads, Kang, for the past few weeks, led the giants to build a massive fleet to return their people to the mainland. The efforts were fruitful, evidenced by the piles of logs and boat skeletons that lined the beachside. However, even with most of their people dedicated to the task, it would still take a month to finish.

But Kang was not sure they could last that long. The isolated island had little in the way of edible plants and, likewise, local wildlife. Fortunately, the vortex provided more than just demons. The giants relied on the monsters it also spat out for food. Having grown accustomed to the vortex over centuries, the giants did not bother learning farming or fishing, content to live off the meat from the monsters and local shrubbery.

Now, however, with the vortex destroyed, the giants suddenly faced the threat of possible starvation. They needed to return to quickly find more fertile land before their reserves ran out. Just when Kang was considering the possibility of relearning fishing to buy themselves some time, the sleeping draconian that turned their world upside-down suddenly awoke and proposed something absolutely impossible.

Kashi smiled, eyes glowing with mischievous triumph. "Yeah, you don't need to build boats. I can take you all to the mainland in minutes. But are you sure that's what you want as your final destination?"

Kang's brows furrowed. He felt like the draconian wanted to play a trick. Still, seeing as Kashi held all the cards in this negotiation, Kang was compelled to follow his lead for now. "What do you mean?"

"The giants' reputation hasn't lessened in a thousand years," said Kashi. "In fact, your people are something of an urban legend. Over a thousand years, stories of your conquest have mutated and changed so many times to something grotesque. People believe you pillage, kill, destroy, rip apart your enemies, drink their blood and feast on their flesh. Suffice to say, you will not receive a delightful welcome on your return to the mainland."

"We are giants. We are not afraid of battle."

"Very much so. But some of those on the mainland happen to be my people. If you fight, I will have to take their side."

Kang's brows tightened even further at Kashi's less-than-subtle threat. As a proud giant, he should have squashed the draconian immediately for his insolence. However, the memory of an empty sky haunted his thoughts, preventing him from moving. Though he refused to believe Kashi could command the half-giants' god, Zeing, he also did not know the extent of their relationship. Zeing did not speak about that during his brief visit to his ancestors' island.

As if sensing Kang's thoughts, Kashi smiled and said, "By the way, Zeing's half-dwarven side happens to live on the mainland. I cannot guarantee he won't retaliate if you move on the mainland."

The giant king's face whitened in shock and fear. He did not doubt the draconian's words. Kashi was many things, but he did not give off the aura of a liar. In that case, Kang might have really brought about his people's extinction due to his pride. Swallowing hard to stifle his nervousness, Kang asked, "Assuming you are correct, what is your proposed alternative, and what price do we have to pay?"

Kashi grinned. Holding up two fingers, he said, "You have two choices. First, you live in my independent world, Orez. Think of it as a separate dimension. Yggdrasil is housed there, so your future generation will gain the boon of being born under the world tree. There's also plenty of space, so you can forgo that boon to find a brand-new nation. But, you will be heavily isolated from all other races. Right now, all sentient beings live in the plains surrounding Yggdrasil. If you want to live under Yggdrasil, the only thing I require of you is a sworn agreement to lose any thoughts of conquest and instead work together with the other races to build the city."

Kang frowned. "What's the second option?"

"Swear allegiance to the Rosen Empire. As citizens, your people will be free to settle in any city they choose. We will also grant you a territory, but for security reasons, you will not be permitted to raise your own armies or militia. Instead, your people can enrol in the Rosen military or live as artisans, engineers or farmers—the choice is ultimately theirs."

Kang's brows furrowed even deeper. "In both options, I am but a ruler in name."

"That is by design," admitted Kashi with a shrug. "Too many cooks spoil a broth. Similarly, too many leaders in a nation will only give rise to stagnation and conflict. We need a unified approach under a single banner—at least at this stage. Therefore, we cannot have kings commanding armies in their kingdoms. But, we are not so arrogant to think that everything can be managed from the throne in Rosendun. Hence, we will be keeping kings and chiefs, but the titles will have a tenure of five years, after which a new king will be decided by the locals."

The giant king hesitated. As a ruler, he understood the conditions Kashi gave were very reasonable. No one would want to assimilate an entire kingdom into their empire without setting up appropriate countermeasures. Nothing stopped the giants from paying lip service while building up an army for conquest. Furthermore, Rosendun further weakened local political and military power by limiting the number of years any leader could lead the territory.

It was such a thorough and reasonable system that Kang was almost annoyed his ancestors had never conceived it. Part of the reason the giants' territories never stood was the constant rebellions from subjugated territories.

Thinking of these, Kang asked, "My people. Will they be subservient to Rosens or you?"

Kashi's brow rose. "Right now, are they subservient to you?"

"No, of course not!" Kang vehemently refuted this. "A king's duty is to his people. I live for them, just as they live for me."

Kashi grinned. "Then, we're the same. However, Rosen relies more on its laws. Everyone, including the Emperor, must obey the laws. Do not worry. They are all reasonable."

"I will need some time to think about it."

Kashi shrugged. He held out his hand and took a scroll from Suzuki. He then handed the scroll to Kang. "That's a gateway to Orez. You may use it when you make up your mind. I have to get going. I've got people waiting on me."

Kang took the scroll, a blank stare in his eyes as he watched Kashi nonchalantly walk over to Skyrm. He was not stupid. He could tell that Kashi wanted his people for some purpose. With Rosendun, it was clear. The giants' military might could not be understated. It was not as clear why Kashi offered Orez, though. The draconian did not appear to be the duplicitous type planning a coup on the Rosen Empire.

Furthermore, Kashi did not appear desperate to gain the giants' support. The draconian adopted an attitude of 'Nice if it happens. Okay, if it doesn't.' Kashi's nonchalance greatly vexed the giant king.

Unfortunately, the draconian seemingly had no intentions of providing the necessary answers. He hopped on Skyrm's back with Kira and Suzuki and then hung on tightly, not forgetting to wave goodbye as the mighty dragon took to the skies with a heavy gust of wind.

In the skies above, Kashi watched the island quickly recede into a dot on the horizon. The draconian had no doubt that Kang would take up his offer. He did not sense the egotistical despotic arrogance that often accompanied tyrannical kings. Either Kang was exceptionally good at hiding his arrogance, or he was the type to think about his people before himself. Plus, from Razznik and Kashi's experience, warrior kings/rulers who braved dangers with their men rarely retained that royal arrogance. It was hard to remain aloof toward the people when you had shed blood and sweat alongside them.

Kashi made a mental note to mention this to Paris. The young king's time in the military played a role in his current amiable personality. It would be a shame if his kids became arrogant and aloof from being raised as royalty.

Shaking his head, the draconian pulled open the guild tab and sent a message to the leaders. "Hey, how's everyone doing. Where are you guys?"

A deluge of messages crashed into Kashi's inbox, stunning him silly. Only when he checked again did he realize he had accidentally sent his message to the main guild channel. Realizing his error, Kashi let out a wry laugh. He could not ignore the frantic messages, especially since he was the one who stoked them. Fortunately, it appeared most of the Wolves were in or around the headquarters in Kerta.

Thinking about it, the Twilight Wolves gathered for the battle at Oni Hill and entered Orez at the end. It thus made sense that most then left through the Kerta exit. Considering this, Kashi estimated Skyrm's current speed. Even though the wind was mild against his skin, Kashi knew by opening his system map that the dragon was casually flying at hundreds of kilometres per hour and then sent a message. "I'll be at HQ in two hours for a meeting with the leaders. I'll hang around, do some raids after, and let you all know the next phase for the Wolves."

Strangely, despite the rampant barrage of texts in the guild channel, everything went dead silent when Suzuki's gold-shimmering message entered the chat box. It was almost like the guild shared a common consensus to keep the news for a few seconds to ensure no one missed.

Then, like a crack in a dam, a prompt entered roughly ten seconds later. "The BOSS is coming to HQ!"

That one crack collapsed the dam as hundreds of guild members spammed the channel within a few seconds. Most were excited. Some lamented that they were too far to return in time, and others screamed that they would start running back to Kerta.

Kashi's lips twitched when he saw the nigh-fanatic reactions. He did not think he would ever get used to people being excited to see him. Glancing at the recalcitrant daeben by his side, he could not help but wonder what Suzuki would look like being praised by thousands of adoring fans.

Suzuki's brows twitched. Without looking at the smug draconian, he spat, "That'll never happen."

"We'll see." Kashi smiled and leaned back against one of the spurs on Skyrm's back. It was going to be a long two hours. He might as well catch some shut-eye.

****

Whilst Kashi booked a flight on Skyrm Airways, a particular blond thief gained an even greater insight into the kind of man he once befriended. Leon, a thief by trade and a rogue by reputation, possessing a beauty that transcended the realm of mortals, watched with an amused smile at the young woman bowed at his door. His hair, a cascade of sun-kissed gold, tumbled in loose waves that framed his chiselled features.

"Apologies for the delay, Sir! Please, the vice-guildmaster will meet you at your earliest convenience."

"It's alright, Cynth. I quite enjoyed the last few weeks. You have exposed me to so many wonders, like this 'shower,'" admitted Leon. Fresh from a cleansing shower, water droplets still clung to his skin, glistening like the morning dew on petals. The scent of soap and adventure clung to him, a potent combination that could ensnare even the most wary of hearts. "I presume Kashi has returned?"

"The guildmaster is on his way, yes." Cynth raised her head and straightened her back. Under Leila's guidance, the Wolves' members learned politeness but not subservience. It was enough to bow once to seek forgiveness. But they would never grovel nor beg.

Leon inwardly chuckled at the young lady's fierce eyes. It appeared she did not take kindly to his calling Kashi by name. Fortunately, she was professional enough to suppress her displeasure, so it was not noticeable.

'Your people really like you,' Leon thought to himself. He smiled at the messenger and said, "It would be my honour to meet your vice-guildmaster. Let's grab breakfast at the nearby Common Center and then be on our way."

"There is no need, Sir. We have a full buffet cafeteria ready at headquarters."

"It's not about the food," Leon chuckled. He went around the room, pulling tiny daggers out of several corners, from beneath the window to the bathroom door and even underneath the windowsill. The blond thief smiled when he saw Cynth's judging gaze. "You can never be too careful. Never know where the threat will come from." Securely holstering the daggers in holsters on his breastplate and trousers, he walked over to the confused lycan and seemingly pulled out a dagger from behind her ear. Wearing an irresistible grin, he winked, twirled the dagger, stabbed it into his ponytail and teased, "It can even be right behind you."

The lycan's dark brown fur bristled at the man's shameless flirt. But, frustratingly, she could not bring herself to find him disgusting. It was true. Pretty privilege did exist.

After completing his preparations, Leon followed the messenger into Kerta's busy streets. A chaotic order hung in the air as thousands rushed along the roads. However, even with the frenetic energy, there were surprisingly no accidents or rampant occasions of people bumping into each other. Part of it could be attributed to the way everyone paid attention to each other to make sure they didn't inconvenience anyone. But a large part belonged to the new roads that began to line every street.

"Road 37's construction's going well. We should be done by week's end."

"Yeah, I just hope Kashi's arrival doesn't slow things down. Hard to work when folks are running along the construction site."

"Heh, a delay of one or two days is fine. We wouldn't be earning the big bucks without the Wolves anyway."

Leon glanced at a group of Beastkin walking down the street, their baggy, dusty overalls revealing their construction background. The group laughed cheerily as they walked, and why wouldn't they? They, like many Beastkin, had secured well-paying jobs for the far future under Rosendun's all-roads venture. Since the Beastkin were far ahead of the rest in road technology, many were contracted to Rosendun and Merriheim to begin constructing good roads.

Similar exchanges took place the other way around. Rosendun and Merriheim shared their various technologies and specialists with the other provinces, leading to a melting pot of shared ideas. Of course, none of this would have been possible a few weeks ago. The travel and time cost of travel alone would have stalled progress. Fortunately, the Maggots found a brilliant workaround.

"We're here."

Leon grinned when they reached a large loghouse. Several Residents and even some curious Summoned walked in and out of the building from which wafted delicious scents and rowdy noise. The young thief entered the wide doors into a large hall with several rows of long tables. Many Residents and Summoned shared stories, drank and ate around the tables. In contrast, others lined up to pick food from a buffet-style selection.

Leon joined the queue and took a tray for himself. Along the way, he greeted several Residents with the familiarity of a local, drawing suspicious glances from Cynth, then sat next to some adventurers, listening and sharing in the local gossip while he ate. A few minutes later, he said goodbye to everyone and left with Cynth.

As they walked, Cynth looked up at Leon. "I think I get it now. The Community Centre builds a tight-knit community, plus it's easy to get the latest news on important events just by listening. I did not know the Community Centre could promote unity like that."

"And that's why it works. People feel much freer when they don't think they're under surveillance. This would not work well if everyone saw it as an information gathering spot." Chuckling, Leon muttered, "We'll need to replicate this back home. It's so much easier to gather information from full bellies and loose lips."

Soon, the duo reached the Maggots' magnificent headquarters. A giant direwolf statue recently erected stood at the front of the compound, imposing its authority upon any and all comers.

To Leon's surprise, a stunning figure stood beneath the figure's head, her cold aura exuding boundless grace.

"Ms. Lightwood." Leon bowed gracefully before the famed vice-guildmaster. My sincerest apologies. I did not think you would await me."

"It is alright, Sir Leon." Leila returned the bow with one of her own. "We made you wait for weeks. I can spare a few minutes. I hope you found the accommodations to your liking in our absence."

Leon smiled. "Heh, more than adequate. I can see your ambition in how you treat the people."

Leila's eyes flashed. "Thank you. Let us talk more inside while we await Kashi."

"Gladly."