Inside the palace, Queen MorlinKing's TraverseMorisaLittle Arthurgreen eyes
"Zayn and the others are here!" Queen Morlin announced, her voice filled with relief.
Morisa and Little Arthur jumped up, abandoning the board, their faces bright with happiness at the return of their beloved older brothers.
The Queen, Morisa, and Little Arthur descended the grand central staircase to greet the five weary travelers. But as they saw the state of the returning heroes—their skin a patchwork of purple and red bruises, their armor scorched, and their exhaustion palpable—the Queen’s smile vanished.
Morisa rushed forward, her face instantly contorting in horror. She reached Zayn first and grabbed his leg, collapsing against him, her green eyes
Zayn, his heart heavy with the grim memory of Lenard's attack and Zeron's chilling threat, gently picked her up. "Shh, Morisa. I'm fine. We're safe now," he murmured, his voice warm, trying to soothe her frantic fear.
At the same moment, Little Arthur ran to JaiArthur
Queen Morlin finally reached the bottom of the stairs, her face pale. She stood blocking the path to the main chambers, demanding answers.
Zayn's mood, already volatile due to the battle, Lenard's taunts, and the knowledge of Zeron’s survival, snapped. He addressed his mother in a low, furious tone. "Mom, please stand aside. We have to meet Father immediately."
The Queen refused, demanding an explanation for the state of their bodies. Zayn's anger boiled over. The events of the past month—the fear, the fight, the death, and the rebirth of his murderous brother—had eroded his patience for political niceties.
"What do you want to listen to, Mom? What answer do you want?" Zayn shouted, the frustration overwhelming his grief. "If you want the reason for these injuries, then listen: My dead elder brother has come back to life in a different body! He wants to kill the entire Dwarf Kingdom, and he wants to kill me, Father, and the entire family in revenge!
The Queen gasped, the horrific news shattering her composure. Her eyes slowly filled with tears, and she collapsed onto the staircase steps, utterly broken. Morisa and Little Arthur quickly moved to comfort her, leaving the five weary heroes to continue their critical mission.
The five members proceeded to the King's chamber. The massive black doors were knocked upon, and King Borin's
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
The chamber was a display of martial strength. The high ceilings were supported by thick, carved stone columns. The walls were lined with racks displaying ornate Tier 5 and Tier 6 dwarven armorsswordswar bannersKing Borin, Queen Morlin, Morisa, and a younger, happier Zayn
King Borin, seated on his throne, saw their bruised, desperate state and immediately knew the news was severe. He opened his mouth to ask, but before he could speak, Zayn launched into the conversation.
"Father, we need to say something vital. My elder brother, Zeron, who died a long time ago, has returned to life in a different body."
King Borin erupted in loud, incredulous laughter. He laughed until tears pricked his eyes, thinking fatigue had finally cracked his son's mind. "Zayn, what happened to you? Has the fight damaged your brain? How can the dead return? I know it's hard to stop thinking about those who have gone, but we must move on."
Zayn’s face hardened with resentment. He looked at Jai. "See, Arthur? I told you he wouldn't believe us. He never cares about us; he only cares about treating and taking care of the populace." Zayn turned back to his father, his voice cold and final. "Father, even if you refuse to believe me now, keep these words in your mind: One day, my older brother will come with a huge army and kill everyone in the Dwarf Kingdom. You will understand why I said this then."
Zayn turned, opened the massive door, and walked out, leaving the room in stunned silence.
King Borin, rattled by the intensity and grief in his son’s voice, finally realized the severity of the situation. "Arthur, what happened? And who are the two men behind you?"
Jai stepped forward, respecting the proper protocol. "Your Highness, His name is WinstonMinister Brokk
Then Winston mov e forward, despite his painful injuries, took the lead, explaining the situation from the very moment Lenard entered the town, the Obsidian Artifact's corruption, the strategic use of the Silver Lyre, Maxiven's fight, and the final, terrifying arrival of Zeron, including the destruction of the mountains and Zeron’s chilling personal threat.
King Borin's face paled, sweat beading on his forehead. Tears welled in his eyes, but they did not fall. He asked the most critical question: "What do you need us to do?"
Winston replied: "We need your help to build Linston Town again."
King Borin considered the massive intelligence provided. "We must be tactical. Do not repair the town immediately. If you rebuild now, it will only be destroyed again when the war starts. I will provide food and all necessary resources for your people to live there until the war is over. You must maintain the ruins as a strategic outpost."
King Borin then addressed Jai and James. "You two, and my son Zayn, have accomplished things that even adult Masters struggle with." He called the Magistrate
King Borin then turned to the two princes. "Arthur, Clement, what is your request? What do you need to prepare for this war?"
Jai did not hesitate. He laid out his request precisely:
"Your Highness, I request the Tier 7 Water Artifact: The Tide Weaver."
Offense:It generates focused jets of high-pressure water (like blades or drills), or creates crushing waves/riptides.
Defense:It forms shimmering, impenetrable water shields, or creates a fluid, evasive current to deflect attacks.
James immediately followed:
"I request the Tier 8 Storm Artifact: Tornado Breaker
King Borin was astonished but promised to arrange both artifacts. He then told Jai, "Arthur, please ask my son (Zayn) if he also has a wish he needs fulfilled." Jai nodded, agreeing to speak with the angry prince.
As they prepared to leave, James asked Jai the question on his mind. "Hey, Jai, why did you ask for a Tier 7
Jai smiled faintly. "After I reached Tier 9 and opened the golden scroll, I realized something: I can refine and use any artifact around Tier 7,8, 9 and 10 powers.
James nodded, the implication of Jai's rapid growth clear because he posses the powers that emperor dominatrix posses many thousand years ago. Winston and Brokk offered their final goodbyes and left the palace in a cart laden with the requested supplies, heading back to the ruins of Linston to begin the grim preparation for the coming war.