The sect leader was accompanied by two of his warriors. A human man and an elven woman. Both were mythical level 90.
The man was named Hipponion. He was a large man. His armor was slightly unique. Its base look was that of the ancient armor, but each of his seven-piece armors had the carving of different animals. The carvings were lion, bear, boar, deer, eagle, snake, and fish.
The woman's name was Atalente. She wore a tunic that covered half of her armor, which shone a golden color. She had a large golden bow on her back and two golden swords were slung beside her waist.
As for the sect leader, his name was Agamon. Jack's Inspect informed him that Agamon was a level 90 eternal-grade draconian. Jack couldn't tell Agamon's race just by looking. This was because Agamon's entire body was covered by armor, including his face. He wore a steel mask that was part of a full helmet. Behind him was a circular disc that seemed to be part of his armor. This disc constantly emitted a silver color.
"Greetings, your majesty," Agamon greeted. He and his two warriors gave Jack a half-bow.
Jack rose from his throne and returned the greetings.
"I'm glad to have finally met you, sect leader," Jack said. "Thank you for the trials you have provided for my soldiers. They have been of great help."
"Those are our tasks, your majesty," Agamon replied. "I dare say your soldiers are of high quality. Only a very small percentage failed our trials. I am genuinely impressed."
"I am very glad to hear that, sect leader."
"Anyway, I am not here for pleasantries. I am here to inform Your Majesty now that the underworld forces have shown up, my faction and I are at your disposal. We are ready to march with this country's army to face those foul demons."
Hearing that, Jack remembered the descriptions of the Ancient Beacon Tower. The ancient champions inside the tower could be commanded if it was a campaign against the underworld forces. A total of 5,000 ancient champions were inside that tower. All were level 90. Aside from the three here, there should still be eight more mythical-grade champions. While the rest were rare elites. A regiment of 5,000 of such warriors was a power that couldn't be taken lightly. Thaergood was right. This meeting was a boon.
"Thank you, sect leader. I represent this country and the world for expressing our gratitude," Jack declared.
"There is no need to thank us. This is our task," Agamon said. "Just send as the order. We are ready to march anytime."
Jack nodded. "I will be having a war meeting with my people tomorrow. Once we come up with a plan, I will send a messenger to inform you."
"Then I will wait for it. Thank you for meeting us. We will take our leave now," Agamon said.
Thaergood still had something to say to Jack, so Grace escorted the three out.
"Your majesty, aside from them, there has been interest from other parties to join our war against the underworld forces."
"Oh? Which parties?" Jack asked.
"The league factions," Thaergood answered. "Among them are the League of Champions, the Order of Magi, the Assassins Guild, and many others."
"The underworld forces are a threat to all the people in this upperworld. It makes sense that these league factions can no longer maintain their neutrality," Peniel said.
"Yes. I believe all the factions in the world will fight the underworld forces in some way, but those who come to us are those who believe in Your Majesty. After Your Majesty helped them solve the case of faction leaders' murders, I say this response is natural," Thaergood said. "They believe it will be more effective if they fight as one, which is under Themisphere's leadership."
"This is great news. With all of us together, we might still beat this disaster. This is not over yet!" Jack exclaimed.
*
Jack walked to his royal chamber after the meeting. A soldier came running to him when he was on his way. The soldier told him another guest had come to visit him. The guest was waiting at one of the balconies. Jack was at first confused as to why he had to meet this guest on the balcony. He understood after seeing the guest.
It was Eoranth.
Eoranth said Broidrireg and the others had departed to the ancient dragon graveyard. He would be joining them soon after he finished his business with Jack, which was the country guardian's contract.
Jack didn't say much about the matter. He proceeded with the contract procedure. He was aware that he had a long face because this reminded him of Broidrireg's coming passing. So, he apologized to Eoranth.
"I'm sorry. It's not that I'm not grateful for your willingness to be my country guardian. I am glad, truly. It's just that…"
"I understand. There is no need to explain," Eoranth cut him off.
Jack nodded and stopped speaking.
After the process was completed, Eoranth said, "After we sent off Broidrireg, my brethren and I will fly to the front line. We will aid the armies to fight the underworld forces there. If you want me somewhere else on the battlefield, use your King Badge to summon me."
"All right. Thank you for your help," Jack said.
Eoranth flew away afterward. Jack watched the dragon getting smaller in the sky. The direction he was heading to seemed to be the Northern part of Verremor. That was probably where the ancient graveyard was located. Maybe one day when this was all over and the world was at peace, he might look for that place and visit Broidrireg's final resting place. Broidrireg did say the place was unsuitable for other races. But considering this place was originally a game meant for players, he didn't believe there was a place inaccessible to them.
His sadness from thinking about Broidrireg returned. He sighed and stayed on the balcony a while longer before resuming his walk to the royal chamber.
