??????'s Point of View

Unknown Location

“Grog is dead.” Tor said as he appeared.

I paused only for a moment as the room went silent. My eyes darted down in thought. Grog’s magical power came from his size and my help, but it was still a surprise to hear that he was dead. Mordred likely made sure he was dead, so now he knew the Middle Ocean was clear.

“We have another month until the rest of our non-demon factions are in place in the East… The ones we’re sending anyway.” I spoke out loud to myself. “Have them hold in place until my newest experiment is ready. Having a Demon on standby and to seal off the Vithari from the rest of the world will be enough to get Mordred to continue on…”

“There have been no signs that he is still heading to the Desert Kingdom. We think he has returned to Lestrania to recuperate and assemble another crew.” Tor pointed out.

“So, he is no longer heading to the Red Kingdom…” A few thoughts crossed my mind. “That means he will arrive within a month at the earliest unless he teleports.” Running my fingers across my lips, I leaned forward in thought. “Although, if he could teleport there, he would have already done so.”

“Perhaps he has never been to Vithari?” Another one of my Demon Lords offered.

Tapping my throne’s arm, I continued. “Continue the preparations. We’re going to set another trap.”

Tor bowed, but he questioned my idea. “My Queen, is there any trap we can lay that would affect someone who was able to dispatch Grog?”

Flare stepped forward. “We can ambush him! If all of us lie in wait, not even he will be able to-“

My mist began to fill the room as they have learned to be quiet. “I learned my lesson about confronting him by myself. As much as I would love to kill Mordred, I have waited this long. I can wait a little longer.” Leaning back in my throne as the Generals all eyed me, I continued. “My experiment will be finished by then, and then Arthur will have to compete against his own magic.”

Many whispered about, but none questioned me. “It will be done.” Tor said before disappearing.

Flare kneeled before me. “My Queen, let me take care of this Mordred. Do not concern yourself with him. I shall confront him.”

Amused, I replied. “Do you think you could have killed Grog?” My question was met with silence. “Four of us could have done so, and you are not one of them.” He frowned and bowed deeper. “Stay here until I say differently.” Turning to look out the decrepit throne room, I hummed out in thought. “After all, who knows who else might try to intervene with my plans.”

Arthur's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Waking up with a grumble, I hissed as I sat up. “Fucking Demon fish!” Holding my side, pain shot through me.

My energy still felt low, which is likely why I didn’t realize someone was in the room with me. “Good to see you are doing better.” Elincia’s voice cut in. “Does someone need to take a look at your side?”

I chuckled weakly at that. “Nah. It’ll heal sooner or later. Just not used to killing giant fish monsters.” Then I pointed at her. “However, this experience will no doubt aid me in the future!”

Shaking her head, Elincia smirked. “It is good to see you still have a sense of humor. We were worried about you.” She spoke in a softer tone. “When you did not return, I feared the worst.” Then her smirk turned into a smile. “And then when you did return, the reports we received were not promising.”

Gesturing to myself as I stood, she quirked a brow. “I’ve been in worse shape before.”

Elincia gave a snort in amusement. “I know. You forget many saw your wounds upon your arrival last time after Ayda’s spell.”

Tapping my nose, I smirked myself. “Good. That means you’re learning. Only worry about me when my wounds don’t heal.” Then I shrugged. “That will probably mean I really am dying.”

Her more mirthful mood disappeared before she crossed her arms. “We need to talk.”

“Really?” I asked back sarcastically. “I thought we were just shooting the breeze.”

“Arthur,” She began while I started to get dressed. “A lot has happened. You were attacked by a Demon the size of Helmsforth if the survivors are to be believed. Not only that, but you rescued the Vithari Queen. I need answers as soon as you can give me them.”

“I don’t know what you want me to tell you about the sand queen, but the fish is dead.”

Putting on my shirt, I heard her ask, “Are you positive?”

I scoffed this time. “Consider how I essentially blew it up from the inside out, yeah. It’s dead. Saw it blow up as its magic died out.” Then I gestured to my side. “How do you think I got such a bad wound?”

“If you had to compare the Demon’s magical powers to ours-“ She began, but I cut her off as I pointed at her.

“You don’t want me to answer that.”

“This is important!” Elincia said firmly. “If this ‘Leviathan’ was stronger than my sister and I, we need to know! How many more of these creatures might be lurking about?!”

Sighing, I pulled my pants up. “Look, the ‘Leviathan’, as you’ve dubbed it, is dead. I don’t know how many more Demons like it there are, but I already killed this one. As for comparing it to you, it was no comparison. I almost lost myself.” Grumbling as I moved around the bed, Elincia kept a close eye on me. “Definitely stronger than an Ancient Demon.”

Another voice cut in as my door opened. “You have faced an Ancient Demon before?” Arceana inquired as she looked surprised.

“Once or twice.” Was my nonchalant reply. “How long have I been out?”

“A few days.” Elincia answered before turning back to Arceana. “Both of you should still be in bed.”

That got my attention, but the pink-haired High Elf rolled her eyes with a small smile. “I am fine, Elincia. I merely used up too much magic.” Then she turned back to me. “However, there are more pressing matters. Why did you not return with the rest of the crew?”

Confused, I sought clarification. “Huh?”

Elincia gestured to me. “Why did you not flee with the rest of the crew? Why stay behind to do battle against such a monstrous creature?”

Giving them a blank look for a moment, I paused, grabbing my armor, and replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Uh, cause it’s my job…”