A month had passed since the fateful battle in the dungeon. Funerals were held in Iskar City for the fallen knights, and life in the Parada Palace had gradually returned to its usual rhythm. The wounds of the warriors had healed, and the scars of their struggle had begun to fade.
Out of the forty warriors who had joined the battle, several were lost. In the aftermath, Fray decided to form a special squad called the "Special Mission Team" with the remaining warriors. Elisa took on the role of the squad leader.
Now, Elisa stood in the courtyard of the palace, her eyes scanning the training grounds. The sound of clashing swords and the shouts of the squad filled the air, echoing the renewed vigor that had infused the Parada family.
Fray observed the training session from a nearby balcony, his presence commanding respect. Despite the weariness that lingered in his eyes, there was a renewed determination in his gaze.
Montaser stood by Fray's side, his eyes never leaving the training knights. His injuries from the battle had long since healed, and he had resumed his duties with quiet efficiency.
As Elisa continued to oversee the training session, Fray's deep voice resonated through the courtyard. "Is everyone here?" he called out, his tone carrying a sense of authority.
Montaser, standing by Fray's side, turned his attention away from the training knights and answered, "Yes, Idar has arrived with Adam, and everyone is ready for the meeting."
Fray nodded, his expression focused and determined. "Good. Let's proceed then."
Together, Fray and Montaser made their way through the bustling mansion, navigating the winding corridors with purpose. As they walked, they passed by familiar faces—servants and members of the Parada family going about their daily tasks. In a certain corridor, Fray's path intersected with Aya, who was walking with her maid.
As Aya crossed paths with Fray in the corridor, her gaze briefly met his. A flicker of emotions passed through her eyes—a mixture of fear, confusion, and perhaps even a hint of regret. There was a depth to her expression. However, she quickly averted her gaze, a veil of indifference settling over her features.
While Fray didn't even look at her as he continued his path, without even reducing his pace.
Montaser, walking beside Fray, looked back at Aya's back before turning to Fray. "What will you do with her now?" he asked.
Fray's gaze remained forward as he answered indifferently, "For now, I will let her be. We already have a lot on our hands."
As they reached their destination—a grand door—Fray pushed it open and entered. The room Fray entered was filled with a somber atmosphere. The bodies of fallen warriors, both human, and monster alike, lay solemnly in the room. Among them was the body of one of the leaders of the monster horde, his once fearsome presence now reduced to lifelessness.
Lester's body lay nearby. Beside him was Magnus, his mage. In the midst of this solemn scene, Ron's body lay on a separate stretcher. Unlike the others, he was alive but remained in a deep coma.
"Montaser, prepare for the meeting. I will be there in a couple of hours," Fray said slowly while standing at the door.
"Alright, sir," Montaser answered before he continued his way down the corridor alone.
Fray stepped into the room, his expression calm. He slowly approached Lester's body and laid it on the ground. He then retrieved multiple pieces of paper, each inscribed with intricate runic words. He arranged them in a precise pattern around the body, creating a mystical circle.
From his ring, Fray clasped a single piece of paper in his hand. It crackled with dark energy, an ominous aura surrounding it. He positioned it above Lester's body, aligning it with the center of the runic circle.
Fray's voice resonated through the room as he uttered the incantation. The words reverberated through the air.
"Anayama..."
A blinding light erupted from the paper, engulfing Lester's body and the runic circle. The room was filled with a dazzling display of energy, as if the very fabric of reality was being torn apart. Fray's eyes widened with hope, his heart filled with anticipation.
But as quickly as the light appeared, it faded away, leaving behind a scene of disappointment. Lester's body remained lifeless, unchanged by Fray's experiment.
"Sigh, another failure," Fray said slowly.
After the failed experiment, Fray returned Lester's body to its place, his mind already focused on the next step as he set his sights on a different body, one that may yield different results.
Hours passed as Fray immersed himself in his experiments. But as the time for the meeting approached, Fray reluctantly abandoned his experiments for the moment. He gathered himself, adjusting his suit and ensuring that his appearance reflected the commanding presence he wished to convey.
Making his way through the corridors of the mansion, Fray entered the meeting room. At the head of the table sat Elisa, Anas, Giam, and Idar, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.
Taking his seat at the top of the table, Fray's gaze swept across the room, his eyes meeting the gazes of each member present. He exuded an air of authority, his voice commanding as he addressed the group.
Fray looked around the room, meeting the gazes of each member present. He exuded an air of authority as he began addressing the group.
"Thank you all for being here today," Fray started, his voice steady and measured. "We have three important matters to discuss, each holding significance for the future of the Parada family."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. " Firstly, let's address the issue of organic fertilizer export. Anas, could you please update us on the progress of the plan?"
Anas nodded and replied, "Certainly, sir. We have successfully secured the rights to five phosphate-rich mountains. It's time to begin the exploration phase. Our storage capacity is substantial, and we already have a considerable number of clients."
"Phosphate!?" Idar, who hadn't been in Iskar City, was confused by what Anas was talking about. Buying five mountains of phosphate was no small purchase. "Can you explain, sir, why we need to obtain five mountains?"
Fray answered, "The fertilizer we need to develop requires three main raw materials, and phosphate is one of them."
"But, sir, why do we need five mountains? I thought we already had a massive supply of this material in Iskar City?" Giam asked, seeking clarification.
Anas, taking the opportunity to explain Fray's plan, recounted the strategy that still sent shivers down his spine every time he remembered it. "When other cities begin to use the fertilizer, the food problem in the continent will be fixed. As the population increases, they will come to rely solely on the fertilizer. By monopolizing the phosphate resources on the continent, we will be the only ones capable of creating the fertilizer. It will become the only way to maintain the necessary food storage for the population. At that point, without the fertilizer, a severe famine will ensue. The Parada family will have the power to control the continent's food supply and effectively rule over it," Anas explained.
"T-this means...!" Giam began, realizing the implications.
"The Parada family will have unparalleled influence and control over the continent's future," Idar finished Giam's thought.
