Ball of Nothing

Bob woke up early and decided to visit Mitchnew to get Aldina's autograph on Zero's behalf. The doctor promised to be good and remain in the inn's room. Truen left to gather information in the southern district and once Zero had some alone time, he pulled out some writing materials from his inventory.

Wii and Mii were occupied with the new tasks that Zero's clones were given from Mammon and Raj. The construction of New Moon Village met with some trouble because of a heavy storm. The underground rooms were flooded and the villagers had to evacuate, living in the temporary shelters while trying to get rid of that water. The other clone in the abyss had to look over and draft the work visa terms and conditions. The magic seal design was also undergoing a final check from Merlin. If it was approved, they would be able to select a handful of Qin Yun's clan members to visit Earth for ninety days on the first test.

Zero didn't know much about Sylvia the Silver Witch and he didn't know much about any of the other three key holders. Shittomi couldn't tell him much information apart from how Axel enjoyed beauties, Queen Leah was looking for a new lover and Sylvia was looking for the perfect body. It sounded strange and Zero couldn't find out anything more despite Hannya House's best efforts.

"What kind of tone should I adopt?" Zero scratched his head. He'd never really written formal letters and didn't have much to reference to.

"Ah! I know! The best reference is from the reading device. Surely among the millions of books there, someone would teach me how to write a proper formal letter, right?" the doctor grinned and started his research, skipping the first two hundred suggestions after he entered the search.

Bob and Truen returned around lunchtime to find Zero face forward into the pillow on the bed covered in ink and unmoving.

"Zero!"

The doctor g.r.o.a.n.e.d and looked up with dark circles around his eyes and a crazy grin. "I can't find it... why do they have so many useless books that won't teach you exactly what you need to do when drafting a formal letter?"

Bob backed away. "Uh, I think I'll go check if lunch is ready."

After the dragon bolted, Zero turned to his best friend who scanned through the research materials on Zero's reading device. There were more bookmarks than useful information and eventually, the wood elf was forced to admit defeat. He'd never really been educated about how to write a formal letter as an envoy to the ruler of another kingdom.

"Let's try asking King Yama," he suggested. "Surely he would know how to write formal letters."

Zero took Truen's suggestion and sent a message to the workaholic judge in the purgatory using the i-communicator and waited for a reply.

[You have a text message from Enma.]

Zero quickly flipped open the i-communicator to check.

Truen and Zero blinked after reading his reply.

"I don't think you should follow his advice," Truen said and Zero agreed.

"I don't think so either. The customs of Earth are really different. Maybe we can ask Old Gary about it seeing as he was a general before. Surely he must have written some formal letters in his lifetime, right?"

Hence, they went down for lunch with Zero's writing materials.

Lunch was prepared by Old Gary because Aldina wasn't in. The old general was surprised when Zero asked him if he knew how to draft a formal letter to royalty.

"Unfortunately, the only formal letter I've ever written in my life was my wedding vows. Most of the time I gave a verbal report to the previous King and left for the battlefields. The scribe usually writes the letters for me. I'm sorry but I won't be of help here."

Zero thanked the retired general anyway but the air of dejection around him only became worse. Unable to stand the gloominess clinging onto his master, Bob made a brilliant suggestion before his afternoon nap.

"What about asking King Brice for help to draft a letter to Sylvia while we haven't set out? Surely he'd know how to do it as a King. He might not have power but he has to be at least educated, right? He wrote that letter of appointment for your envoy status."

"As impudent as that sounds, I'll agree with Bob, We don't have much time. I'll be heading back to Grey Zone tonight to get the tips I need and the route to follow the Grey Legion slave transporters who left about five days ago. Once I get the map, we will be leaving Smargdas. Better get that letter sent today and let Mitchnew handle the receiving of replies."

Making private arrangements with Bob to transform into a small creature to slip into the palace and deliver Zero's note to the King, Zero remained in the inn for the rest of the afternoon writing to everyone else that he needed to before they left. Truen decided to take a stroll in the eastern district to prepare some gifts and necessities for visiting the United Nation of the Uncanny. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too long a trip like the one they had in Derby Desert.

Within two hours, Bob returned looking very proud as he waved the letter in front of Zero. Instead of getting a reply to teach Zero how to write a formal letter, Zero got the letter written by King Brice in person with everything Zero wanted to include to it. All Zero had to do now was affix the royal mana stamp and sign at the bottom of it.

The messenger falcon was quickly sent and in a few days, if Sylvia replies to the letter, Mitchnew will let them know. For now, they were simply idling around until they had to leave. Zero meditated to observe what his clones were doing and Bob decided to enter the mindscape. Mii sounded like she needed help and Bob decided that he was the best dragon for the ancient text translating job.