"So we have a possible enemy in our backyard that we can’t take care of and supposedly they are spread out there in the world, we just let them do what they want to? Zephyr asked Ikem who nodded to a maid that walked into the throne room.
"Exactly son, but you have it wrong on letting them do whatever they want to do. Take for example Osita case, i was able to find out about him and apprehended him and limit his growth rate now in exchange for a faster growth for our people"
"I am already planning on sharing this news with the other demigods so that they can be on a look out for any new changes or possible demons acting in their area, we might be limited on what we can do son but we can still halt their growth and keep them under close watch" Ikem said to Zephyr who visibly relaxed at his words.
"That means the only problem we have are those demons that have infiltrated our people that we can’t find," Zephyr said.
Ikem nodded and responded "That’s true but i believe we will be finding out about the demon that has infiltrated our people once the new school starts"
"Really, what is it father?" Zephyr excitedly asked out loud.
Ikem shook his head "That’s something you will have to find out for yourself, but know this son once you begin questioning something you are on the right path".
Zephyr’s mind raced with curiosity and concern. His father’s words echoed in his thoughts as he considered the implications of what he had just learned. As Ikem sat back in his throne, a sense of responsibility weighed heavily on Zephyr’s shoulders.
"So, what do we do now?" Zephyr asked, his voice tinged with determination.
Ikem regarded his son with pride, seeing the fire in his eyes. "Now, we prepare. We strengthen our defenses, educate our people, and keep a vigilant watch. We may not be able to eliminate every threat, but we can certainly minimize their impact."
Zephyr nodded, his mind already racing with plans and strategies. "I’ll start by organizing better scouts out who can keep a look on Osita, even better make a schedule for the scouts so they can keep up with their training sessions in the case it is needed"
"Good," Ikem said with a nod. "And don’t forget to continue your own training as well. I will make a copy of the book i got from Osita, have it sent out to your sibling and at the same time inform of the new new and development of this"
Zephyr rose from his seat, as he bowed his head. "I won’t let you down, father," he declared, determination firm in his voice.
Ikem smiled, "I know you won’t, son. but make sure you also study the runes yourself i know you don’t enjoy reading but this is something i believe is a must know"
"Understood father " Zephyr looked hesitant but he nodded his head.
"What about the humans Omadi and his group, what are we to do with them?" Zephyr asked.
"They are another piece we can use to cause problems to Osita, since we have gotten what we need from them it’s time to send them away but with a certain present" Ikem answered Zephyr.
"What present do you have in mind, father?" Zephyr asked.
"Go to the palace library, make a copy of the book your brother Eriri made about agriculture, and then the book I wrote about mana and how it works. Give the book to them as a farewell present and thanks for their information at the same time subtly have them set their eyes on the human alliance" Ikem said to which Zephyr hesitantly nodded.
"Why such precious books father, the humans already outnumber us and sharing with them this knowledge will greatly increase their strength" Zephyr asked worriedly.
"I know of your worries son, but if we are to be ready for whatever happens in the future we need all help we can get and besides you seem to forget the hatred both the alliance and Omadi has towards Osita, in strengthening them we give them an opportunity to further be an obstacle to Osita while we take the time to grow in number and strength"
"Besides we have observed the humans enough to know that, once Omadi and his people get to the alliance with the knowledge, it will throw out the balance of power in their alliance which will take a lot of time to sort out time that we and our people need son" Ikem answered to Zephyr.
"Oh and next time you plan on making them a visit, have with you a small wooden carved statue of your grandfather, tell them this is the god that we worship and that they should do too as he is benevolent and kind, he surely will help and guide them in their upcoming future and adventure" Ikem said with a smile on his face.
"Understood father" Zephyr said as he walked out of the throne room leaving Ikem to sit there in silence.
"I know I said that I want to share the news with other demigods, but how do I do that? We are so far away from each other that is nearly impossible" Ikem thought to himself as he tapped the armrest of his throne.
Suddenly thinking of something, Ikem touched his neck where a necklace of a scale and feather was stuck together, "It’s been a while but I may need the help of tweet and Boros this time".
Zephyr made his way swiftly to the palace library, his mind abuzz with his father’s instructions. As he entered the vast chamber filled with books, Zephyr took a deep breath as he took in the smell of scented woods flowing out from the library. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the knowledge contained within these walls, and how far they have come as a race. Finding the books his father mentioned was easy, Zephyr had one of the apeling available in the library to bring him a book and a charcoal pen as he carefully made copies of each book, ensuring that they were pristine and presentable.
With his spend, it was done quite quickly and using his wind he made sure the charcoal dried up fast, Zephyr took the books as he made down the mountains to where Omadi and his group were staying.
Knocking gently on the door, he waited patiently until it swung open to reveal Omadi, who greeted him with a warm smile.
"Your highness, quite early this time," Omadi greeted, his voice carrying genuine warmth. "Come in, come in. What brings you here this early?"
Zephyr did step inside but made a gesture Omadi was familiar with as he nodded as close the door behind him. "I bring you gifts my friend" Zephyr explained, holding out the copied books. "I wanted to express my gratitude for the information you provided us on Osita"
Omadi’s eyes widened in surprise as he took the books, flipping through them with a mix of curiosity and appreciation. "Oh, these look fascinating! but I may be presumptuous, your highness can I ask how it went with Osita, is he dead?"
Zephyr happy see Omadi’s positive reaction but his expression turned serious after Omadi question "I am sorry but I can tell you how it went and sadly Osita is still alive, your information was good in a way that it confirmed some suspicion we had before and meet him cleared up those suspicions"
Omadi expression didn’t look good hearing that as he fell on his knee raising the books above his head "Your highness, please I beg you take your gifts back, they mean nothing if Osita is still alive and well"
Zephyr frowned at the action but he kept a smile on his face as he squatted down, taking hold of Omadi’s shoulders and easily pulled him up to his feet.
"My friend, because of some unspoken reasons, we are limited on the actions we can take against the humans but you as a human aren’t under such limits. These gifts of mine contain ways to strengthen yourselves so that you can take up arms on your own and fight back against Osita" Zephyr said to Omadi whose expression changed as he seriously regarded the books.
Unlike before he branched through it easily, he opened them this time and took a serious look and his expression soon changed with what he was seeing, closing the book about agriculture he opened the book about mana as he visibly began shaking.
"Your highness, this is too much. We can’t possibly accept this’’ Omadi said as he clenched hold of the book while looking at Zephyr.
Zephyr smiled and raise his arms where winds started gathering and became visible to the naked eyes, "You need power and strength if you want to take back what’s yours from Osita my friend"