Jack stopped walking forward after seeing the ethereal. Motherboard smiled upon seeing Jack's reaction.
"King Storm Wind, why stop?" The vampire on the throne, Emperor Marcus, asked. "Come closer. I believe you want to talk about your army marching through my territory?"
The lighting inside this throne room was dim, just like the other parts of this capital. Marcus' feature was shrouded by this lack of illumination, but Jack's dragon eye could see him with clarity.
The skin of Marcus's face was tight and smooth as a baby's face. Yet, Jack couldn't shake the feeling he was looking at an old man. A very old man. Marcus was bald. His face was also free of any facial hair. There was not even an eyebrow. His ears were slightly sharp resembling an elf's ears.
Marcus tapped his fingers on the armrest of his throne while waiting for Jack's response.
Jack resumed walking. He stopped around ten meters from the throne, just before one of those traps he sensed.
*
Marcus Maxius (Mythical Vampire, Ancient), level: 85
HP: 2,000,000
Strength: 4850
Physical Defense: 3900
Magical Defense: 4400
*
Now that Jack's Inspect had increased to the Advanced Expert, he could also see the target's strength and defenses.
Marcus' strength almost doubled his, even with his three classes' stats. Jack wondered if it was due to Marcus' ancient age.
As for Marcus' defenses, it was similar to him. Except Jack's physical defense was higher than his magical defense. Marcus was also wearing a royal outfit, which was heritage equipment. This equipment leveled up following the wearer's level. Jack figured he didn't lose in terms of defenses because of his legendary-grade cloak which gave a big bonus on defenses.
Marcus was the strongest sovereign he had met. Considering this vampire was the oldest sovereign and had ruled the longest compared to the other sovereigns, he didn't find this surprising.
"Emperor Marcus, please accept my greetings on behalf of Themisphere," Jack began. "I came here today to ask for your permission to let my army pass through Sangrod. Considering our two country's friendly relationship, I hope that you permit us."
Marcus grinned, showcasing his two long and sharp vampire fangs.
"You are a direct person, King Storm Wind," Marcus said. "I was expecting a bit of repartee, but I like this better. The answer is no."
Jack frowned upon hearing the answer.
"The outworlder group that was now in charge of Liguritudum had also taken Aurebor and Hydrurond. They were now aiming for Palgrost," Jack said. "I believe Emperor Marcus can see where this is headed. If we don't join forces to stop them now, they will take us down one by one."
"Is that so?" Marcus asked. His tone didn't sound concerned. Motherboard was still smiling beside the emperor.
Jack could see now this was a waste of time. He announced then, "Since Emperor Marcus is not willing to lend a hand. So be it. My army will go through the Jagara region to get to Palgrost. I'm letting the emperor know this out of respect. We will not enter Sangrod's territory."
"I can't let you do that," Marcus said.
"Emperor Marcus, what do you mean by that?" Jack asked. He now noticed the soldiers with bloodshot eyes on the two sides of the hall had their hands on their weapons.
"I consider Jagara a part of my territory. I have an army stationed there. If your army passes that region, mine will consider it an act of aggression against my empire. If your army doesn't turn back, then mine will have no choice but to engage."
"… It seems that Emperor Marcus has made up his mind before I'm here. What's the point of inviting me here then?" Jack asked.
"Why do you think?" Marcus asked. His grin took a wicked turn.
The soldiers beside the hall acted then. They rushed at Jack who had readied his two weapons. Jack ran to the entrance door before those soldiers arrived. His speed far surpassed those soldiers.
However, Jack sensed someone before the door. He used the Sword of Light. Someone appeared then.
It was another bald vampire. This one had a larger and taller frame than Marcus. He also wore slick-looking black battle armor which made him more intimidating. He appeared because he blocked Jack's sword of light.
Jack used his Inspect and found the vampire was a level 90 Mythical by the name of Archibald Silas. Jack knew the name. This vampire was the leader of the three relic marshalls of the Sangrod Empire, which was a rank equivalent to Themisphere's Lord Marhsall.
Jack then heard a commotion from beyond the door. There was a battle outside. No doubt involving Leavemealone and Dave.
Jack took out his Companion and King Badges, ready to call for reinforcements. He didn't summon Therras because he knew the rune diagrams inside this palace could unsummon it, but Arlcard and his royal agents wouldn't be affected.
However, before he could summon his royal agents, a veil of darkness suddenly surrounded him. This took him by surprise. He immediately used Lightning God Suit, fearing that this veil was an enemy's attack.
The veil enveloped Jack completely and then he was gone from there.
Marcus stood from his throne. His forehead was scowling. He knew that spell. Someone had just used the thing that had been stolen from him to teleport Jack away.
"… Is that a trap you have prepared?" Motherboard asked.
"No," Marcus answered. He gave no further explanation.
He came down from his throne and said to Archibald, "Call the runecrafts and the guards who have watched this hall within this week! Someone entered this hall without permission and laid that trap. I want to know who! And take the ones outside alive. We will use them as bargain chips to lure the Themisphere king. He can't be far. Lockdown the entire capital. No one is allowed to go in or out until I say so!"
Archibald bowed in acknowledgment and went to carry out the orders.
Motherboard was unsure of what to do. The deal was to have Jack bound and given to her.
When she was about to say something, Marcus beat her to it.
"You are also not allowed to leave this capital. Not until we sort this out." He then turned into a shadow and left the place.
