As the two kings discussed the details, a sense of cautious optimism spread among the Turkin delegation. The opportunity to strengthen their forces with superior weapons and armor was too significant to ignore. One of their kingdom’s strengths was its mobility, and given the proper equipment, they would be able to expand their border and maybe fully encompass the Turkin Country.
After the initial agreements were set, Viserin added, "In addition to the exchange, I’d like to address another matter that might concern the safety of both our kingdoms."
Vlad’s eyes grew sharp with interest. "What kind of danger could my kingdom be facing?"
Without hesitation, Viserin answered, "It’s related to the Monson Continent."
Vlad’s eyes immediately narrowed. The Monson Continent lay further south than the Turkin Kingdom. It was incredibly vast, and even before the apocalypse, it was dominated by lawless warlords, dense jungles, teeming wildland, and an overall lack of advanced techniques or unified leadership.
It was a chaotic place, ripe for exploitation by demons or Monsters, making it a growing threat that Vlad had been monitoring. However, he couldn’t mobilize his troops there yet, not while he was still consolidating control over his own territory.
Viserin, noticing he had Vlad’s full attention, continued, "Over the last few months, my forces have witnessed an exodus of Monsters from the Monson Continent. At first, I welcomed it—more game and food for my people—but they haven’t stopped. They keep coming, pure panic and dread in their faces by the time they reach my domains."
The Turkin King paused, his sharp eyes gauging Vlad’s reaction, offering no more information for the moment. He wanted to see how the young king would assess the situation.
At first glance, one might assume the problem was the continuous packs of Monsters entering Turkin territory. However, that wasn’t the real issue. Unless extremely powerful, Monsters weren’t much of a threat—they lacked wisdom, and elite fighters could easily handle them using ambushes or traps.
Vlad’s eyes gleamed with understanding. "What’s making the monsters flee?"
Viserin nodded, impressed. That was the right question. What could possibly drive tens of thousands of monsters—territorial beasts that would normally fight to the death against invaders—away from their homes?
"Whatever it is, we need to find out. I’m planning an expedition in a month, and if the forces of the Xaos Kingdom wish to participate, they would be welcome," Viserin proposed.
Vlad stared at the middle-aged king, processing the information. There was, of course, the possibility of a trap, but his A.I. Chip detected no signs of deceit. After a moment’s contemplation, Vlad nodded.
Viserin felt a wave of satisfaction at having secured such a formidable ally for the expedition. He was confident that things had gone remarkably well. However, suddenly, a man rushed toward the group—an act strictly prohibited during high-level negotiations between two kingdoms.
The intruder was a scout from the Turkin Kingdom. Grand Marshal Anglius spotted him and grew cold, his energy flaring as he prepared to move and neutralize the threat. Although the likelihood of this man posing any real danger to the Xaos King was minimal, Anglius wasn’t one to take chances.
"Please wait! He’s my scout!" Viserin shouted, stepping forward to intercept the man—Keron—before he could come any closer.
Grand Marshal Anglius remained poised to strike, his halberd already risen. The Turkin King’s words held little sway over him, but he halted when Vlad gave a subtle nod, signaling him to stand down.
Viserin breathed a little easier as the golden titan’s killing intent faded. His expression grew cold as he addressed Keron. "Speak. Why have you broken formation?"
Keron responded immediately, his face tight with urgency. "Demons, my king. They’ve launched an attack on our eastern border. They’re advancing rapidly toward our settlements."
Viserin’s expression hardened. "How many?"
"Dozens of thousands, my King. They’re stronger, more organized than any demons we’ve encountered before." Keron’s fists clenched as he recalled the sight of the demons, especially the one leading them.
"It seems you’re dealing with a horde led by an Abyssal," Vlad interjected, having quickly analyzed the situation.
"Abyssal?" Viserin repeated with confusion in his voice.
Vlad didn’t keep him waiting. "Abyssals are the highest tier of demons from the Abyss. They are far more powerful and intelligent than common demons."
He paused, giving the Turkin King time to absorb the gravity of the threat, before continuing. "Since we’re already here, we could assist you in repelling the horde if you wish."
Viserin’s eyes narrowed. Assistance was necessary, but allowing such a massive external force into his territory was not without its risks.
Mark leaned toward Viserin. "This could be an opportunity to see their forces in action and gauge their true strength."
Zamas nodded in agreement. "And it would help protect our people."
Viserin made his decision quickly. "Very well. We accept your assistance."
Vlad nodded and turned to Grand Marshal Anglius. "Prepare the Golden Wave Legion. We move to the eastern border immediately."
Anglius saluted sharply. "At once, my king!" He quickly began issuing orders, and the Legion snapped into action with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine.
Viserin turned to his generals. "Mark, Zamas, rally our troops. We must defend our people."
"Understood, Your Majesty," Mark replied, already moving to organize the Turkin forces.
As both armies prepared to mobilize, Vlad approached Viserin again. "Time is of the essence. The longer we delay, the more ground the demons will cover."
"Agreed," Viserin said gravely. "Our eastern settlements are vital. We can’t afford to lose them."
As Vlad prepared for the coming battle, he communicated with Jormungandr via the A.I. Chip. "What do you think of King Viserin?"
"A man of pride and principle," Jormungandr responded. "He values his kingdom and his people, but he’s rightly cautious of us."
Vlad nodded. "Indeed. But for now, our goals align. The alien threat is escalating, and we need every ally we can gather. Besides, having the Turkin Kingdom indebted to us strengthens our position."
"And if they grow too ambitious?" Jormungandr asked.
"Then we’ll remind them where true power lies," Vlad said, his voice cold and confident.