EPISODE 229: RED FUTURE 2

— Federation of Farya, Year 7293. Season: New Beginning.

What is the point of living… if you don't live to your absolute limit?

If you possess a gift, dream, a desire, want, then cultivate it. As the world ends… I want to know you achieve your desires; you put it all into your dreams. When the Blue Reach arrives, you can say I did it. I let everything go. I did it. I let everything go.

— Uterra of the Blue Reach, beloved of Rasheed.

The last rays of light danced across the sky; the evening descended, and space was made for night to approach. Chatter was heard all around as a grand banquet was underway. Dancers and other performers were present, showcasing their skills in their craft in a wonderful display of colors. Ninjaro stood above, calmly watching, his voice pleasant as he spoke.

The Edryan party returned to the surface after their visit to the undercity below. With one certain victory in their hands, the envoys brought honor to their names, houses, and nation. The day ended, and a new one arose. The party found themselves at the city's central palace, its grand architecture reminiscent of ordered chess pieces all arranged to point towards the Temple of the Moon, the residence of Demigod Isiro — The Mechanism .

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Musa. I've heard the exploits of your family and the rise of your sister as a demigod, allow me to express my congratulations once again," Ninjaro politely spoke.

Lady Musa, Amaya Musa, studied the young dwarf before her as she returned the pleasantries. "Thank you, [Arbitrator] Ibadan, but please, refer to me as [Citizen]—there are no more noble classes in Great Edryan now. None save for our Queen and Crown Prince, His Highness Lawruthian, [Chosen of Madris]."

Amaya's voice was pleasant but neutral. She nursed a half-full wine glass in one hand, and Amaya's eyes glanced at the Giant Dwarf. She showcased the proper respect for herself, her opponent, and her leaders. Ninjaro was her opponent, not through his actions but those of others. Mojo and Asan had planted a seed of doubt, but that was according to Ninjaro's calculations.

Ninjaro smiled, a measure of understanding rising from their interaction. The event had already gone on for two hours, with a showcase of Faryan hospitality nearing its end. The time for business neared.

"Ahh, my apologies [Citizen] Musa, I had forgotten the magi changed their customs, do forgive me," Ninjaro paused as the finality of the dancers' show emerged, red light shining. Once they finished, he continued. "Could you explain more of what it means to be a [Citizen], the term is still so new and my people know very little of it."

Amaya nodded in understanding. She responded to Ninjaro, giving him a brief but detailed overview of what a [Citizen] was. Her voice remained measured, neutral as she spoke, but a hint of warmth began to enter it. "A [Citizen] is an Edryan whose status has reached tier three or above. As you know, we no longer follow a strict system of nobility, but we still have measures of status and luxuries afforded to those who contribute to a greater Edryan society. All citizens of Great Edryan are [Citizens] but only the greatest are allowed to be addressed by that title."

Ninjaro listened carefully, his questions ready before the young woman next to him even finished speaking. "That is interesting, the Federation governs in a similar structure, but that is only available to those of the thirteen clans. How does Edryan structure its people through these tiers?"

"Citizen tiers can increase through a simple measure—how much have you contributed to the country? Technologies, trade," Amaya waved her hand, starting to get into it. "…or other forms of service are judged and graded by the Monarchy Branch and a few other branches, depending on the service member. We, however, are not like the thirteen clans. Anyone can rise in tiers so long as they are a [Citizen]—former noble status or not."

Ninjaro stroked his beard, his fingers gently caressing his abacus, right as he was about to pose another question, Amaya posed one herself.

"I am to understand Demigod Isiro entrusted you with the responsibility of any talks and negotiations with the magi, yes? Why were such matters as yesterday allowed to happen under your supervision?"

Amaya's question was direct, blunt. Not because she didn't have tact, but because she was particularly recommended to take such an approach by Mariam. Her eyes trailed away from Ninjaro's as a new performance began, and she waited for his response.

Other [Envoy's of the Chosen] found themselves engaged with [Arbitrators] firmly in Ninjaro's camp or closely connected for this assignment. Helios stood firm, a woman with a short beard and a single trinket that appeared like a white wall, casually chatted with him, all the while sizing him up.

"Your magical prowess is impressive; it is unfortunate for Asan to be limited to the range of the arena," Ai'esha offhandedly mentioned. Her Intent was like a wall that attempted to blanket the area they stood.

Helios stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His vision was confident like an early dawn's sun on a clear sky. "Even on a battlefield, the result would have been the same."

Ai'esha chuckled, but her voice didn't reflect her amusement as she next spoke. "You would be able to catch a dwarf in the ground over ten kilometers away? I don't believe even the best warriors of our level could boast such achievements. Your magic is extreme, but does it hold the power to pierce through an impenetrable wall?"

Helios laughed, shaking his head, but no response came. Another provocation may work on someone else but him.

Amaya waited patiently. She raised her wine glass and took a sip. Her eyes remained focused on Ninjaro—a deliberate provocation.

Ninjaro let go of his abacus and placed his hands behind his back. He stared back unflinching as he finally responded. "That was a lapse in judgment on my part. The Federation is currently in competition, and things have gotten…" Ninjaro paused, a slight frown on his face as he looked toward Ai'esha. " …volatile . They are the desperate ends of a dying fire. A calculation that is nearly at its finale."

Ninjaro looked back at Amaya as he continued. "Allow me to apologize for my oversight," he bowed slightly, straightening up as he continued. "Now, I believe it is best we begin discussing the reason behind the [Envoys] visit to the Federation of Farya."

The atmosphere shifted as Ninjaro spoke, and the Giant Dwarf appeared taller and broader. There was a confidence in his eyes that now pressed down on Amaya. The young woman stood firm, like a cliff clashing against the seas. His Intent washed over her, taking everything into account. It wasn't considered a rude action, but the stringent detail Amaya was put under caused the hairs on her body to raise, and a wave of goosebumps to pass over her quickly. Just as quickly as it came, Amaya suppressed it. Her magenta eyes were bright, enticed as they answered to Ninjaro's challenge. Amaya was put in charge not by the many parties and branches of the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy that held a vested interest in their activities, but through the trust of her comrades and her willingness to step forward.

"Yes," Amaya answered. "I do believe it is time we begin discussions."

Her voice didn't just travel to Ninjaro's ears but to the ears of all [Arbitrators] and [Envoy's of the Chosen] present. The performance lay forgotten, and the occupied standing tables were cleared. Everyone was curious about Edryan's return to the world. For centuries after the death of Princess Carina, [Carnage One]—the rare saphen who achieved demigodhood without focusing on fighting. She had left the safety of the magi homeland on a march to connect the world and magi—dispel the radical views some held about her people and more. Yet… before she even left a nation away… the Princess of the magi was slain.

Amaya would not be the only one involved in the discussions. Although the invitation to Great Edryan wasn't their only purpose, trade and other matters were also part of the visit; the invitation was the primary reason for their journey through it all. It was their Chosen's Will— Thus It Shall Be Done.

"Great Edryan invites the Federation of Farya and its chosen leaders to attend the Sovereignty And Federal Enterprise," Amaya proclaimed. Her voice boomed, resonating throughout the hall with magic. It would not be kept quiet or limited to a small discussion. This was an invitation that shall not… allow itself to be denied. "It is Our wish, directed by Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani—[Slayer of the Final Dragon], [Holy Prince of Edryan] and [Chosen of Goddess Madris], we discuss the future of our continent. The [Path of Apotheosis] is opening in less than a decade. The future belongs to us, and it is how we choose to start this new age that will set a precedent for the centuries to come. Great Edryan extends the first invitation to the Federation as a handshake for friendship and more."

Amaya extended her hand, her frame was much smaller than that of Ninjaro's, but her mana density and more made those present regard her as a strong budding [Mage]. The hall remained silent, save for the muted performance that took place below their raised balcony. The eyes of the [Arbitrators] looked to Amaya's extended hand, able to see it as more than just what her words offered.

Great Edryan extended a hand for friendship. It meant they recognized the strength of the Federation—its ability to slay several demigods and Prestiges while integrating a new people. This occurred in the span of less than twenty years—barely a generation had gone by. Great Edryan communication with the outside world hadn't been present for so long, and, now that they finally reinitiated contact… it was with its neighbor, the Federation of Farya—not the Empire of Az'Dawn.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Ninjaro saw this, as did many of the [Arbitrators], but Ninjaro saw more . There was an implicit underlying meaning within Amaya's words that only a few would understand. No, not just her words. It was her body language, gaze, extended hand, and more that spoke volumes.

Amaya stood upright, body straight, taut. She was nervous, although no one could see it, although such a thing could be calculated. Ninjaro held a certain confidence that such was true. Amaya wore a red and gold dress, colors that symbolized the royal family of Edryan. A crest that represented both the Chosen and the Edryan house was woven as miniature designs into the long conservative dress. Diamonds hung from her ears, mana fluctuations radiated from them, and other jewelry she wore. Powerful armaments were built for defense and other purposes.

The young woman was firm, and her mangenta colored irises seemed to hold a glow that attracted all eyes in the room. For a second, Ninjaro saw an illusion of Amaya standing taller, then a sound like glass shattering rang in his ears, and the image was gone.

Time slowed further—seconds to milliseconds and even smaller to nanoseconds. Ninjaro had to make a decision. He was the next leader of the Federation should no unexpected circumstances arise. He was the one who won them the war and received a significant boost to his strength because of it. HE would decide if the Federation would align itself closer or further to the magi.

…

And…

…

Who were the magi?

…?

That was a question Ninjaro once asked. He still did. Who are the magi?

The Giant Dwarves held a history as old as the first of them… Isiro, who rose from the extinction of one race… using their ashes as nutrients for the birth of a new people. It was King Darius — [The Legend] who fought against Oogoon and slayed him in a battle that lasted for three days and nights. It was the Goddess Madris who slayed the Sea Giant father and caused an irrefutable one-sided hatred between the sea races and the magi.

When Princess Carina fell and the magi waged war… their Goddess once again struck down a God. Perhaps the late God Az was a newly promoted God after he slayed Princess Carina.

…

A God was still a God .

…

It didn't matter that the magi withdrew from the world. It didn't matter that they held a civil war that nearly broke the country apart. Their highs or lows would never matter save for one sole reason. The country of Edryan… Great Edryan as they proclaimed themselves to be… still… had… a… Goddess.

…

The Goddess of War.

…

That Goddess of War who is recorded to have the highest record of slaying Gods underneath her belt. Regardless of whether people were at the highest of highs or the lowest of lows, the Goddess of War, Wealth, and Wisdom would have to be factored in for all calculations.

Neurons fired off through Ninjaro's body as he finally came to a decision. Reality seemed to return to itself, and time was no longer slowed. Ninjaro held all the time in the world when he ran his calculations

Ninjaro reached his hand forward, the eyes of all present on it. The subtle conversations and jabs between the two parties were over. Mojo narrowed his eyes; next to him, Ade Oni did much of the same. The two found themselves conversing during the event, both replaying their battle as a small understanding developed between them. They were similar in nature, different in nurture. That didn't dissuade them from finding common ground after the battle. Both fighters held pride, and both held expectations, and both were grown enough to look at the positives and negatives. The same could not be said for Asan who found himself nursing a drink alone. He'd brought more dishonor to the GDs than Mojo and would have to reevaluate his plans for the future.

Ninjaro's hand paused just centimeters away from Amaya's, a hint of a smile and more danced across his features. The [Arbitrator] was dressed in a ceremonial garb, one that the leaders of their country usually wore for such occasions. It was a long, robe-like suit that displayed a tapestry upon it. It showed a land of rolling hills with smoke emerging from chimneys. The Giant Dwarves manipulated the earth, emerging from their hills to carve stone that turned into a city, and a city in a metropolis. It showed the birth of a single child that Demigod Isiro and his wife Saor conceived. It showed the birth of thirteen children, direct descendants of the demigod, and the beginnings of the thirteen clans. Should one look closely, they would see decay, death, and bones buried in the earth that nurtured the new race.

"We have a saying in Farya…," Ninjaro began to speak. This time it was in his native tongue and not common. "Dead rock lies with blood and bone."

Ai'esha shifted, followed by the rest of the [Arbitrators] of the Federation of Farya. A response was uttered from their lips instantly, nearly without thought, as the saying was one taught at birth and repeated constantly throughout their life.

"[Heroes] rise with blade and stone."

Ninjaro withdrew his hand, resting both behind his back as fists. It was not a sign of aggression but simply a posture he took when under intense calculations. His actions would decide the fate… faith of millions. His words would solidify his choice. Ninjaro's aura shifted, a golden hue seemed to rise from his body, one that Amaya recognized immediately as she too could project this aura.

…

Any [Hero] could.

…

With his shift in aura, familiar words to the magi echoed across the hall, Amaya's hand falling at the wayside.

"Are. You. Worthy?"

GREAT EDRYAN: YEAR 2 — 28

— An article edited and produced by Karla Kansun under the service of His Highness Lawruthian.

A… Successful First Trip? Envoys Of The Chosen Continue Their Journey Northward!

— By Karla Kansun, your favorite correspondent on all things Edryan!

A thrilling journey is only just beginning. The [Envoys of the Chosen], His Highness Lawruthian, have returned and left to continue on their journey as well… you guessed it, the Chosen's Envoys. They have, however, left me with exciting news to share with all of Edryan! Most of this paper will cover their journey thus far, what happened in our closest neighbors: the Federation of Farya and the Empire of Az'Dawn. News of their travels to the Warring Beastman Plains and beyond will have to wait!

The Federation Of Farya:

Our envoys, led by [Citizen] Amaya Musa, arrived in the Federation of Farya earlier this year as New Beginning began. I'm told the journey was slow as our superior Great Edryan technology could outpace any of the Federation airships. Thus, our envoys found their journey slow and delayed as the slower ships of the Federation escorted them. I'm told the capital City of Faria appears like an ordered board with mage towers at structured intervals like Edrya, but without the greenery that's spread all over our wonderful capital.

It was under the evening light that a grand banquet began, but first, before we get to those details, we have to mention the challenges our magi faced. Two [Arbitrators] (leaders of the Federation) challenged our magi to a duel of skill and strength. Our very own envoy, Ade Oni, was the first to battle an [Arbitrator] by the name of Mojo Kano. Their battle was…

…in the end, Ade Oni and Mojo Kano tied with a double knock-out! The same could not be said for Helios Romus as he fought against [Arbitrator] Asan Yola in a friendly match in Awni Pavilion. Helios proved dominant as he immediately had his opponent on the defensive. The battle…

…ended legendary with Helios casting the light of the sun deep beneath the ground. It was here that he left a line as the Giant Dwarf attempted to negotiate a secret deal. Helios simply asked… Are. You. Worthy?

Those same words were asked of Amaya as she extended a hand of friendship on behalf of Great Edryan. Her response…

"When you come to Great Edryan… You. Will. Know. "

It was with such tense words that the Envoys of the Chosen left and began their journey to the Empire of Az'Dawn. There, our envoys…

…

…

…

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