Emperor's Reckoning



The group stood in silence, the weight of the situation sinking in. They had been on the verge of embarking on a journey to find Maria, guided by Yala's knowledge, only to have her whisked away by the Summoning Ruby Stone.

Lyon clenched his fists, struggling to come to terms with the sudden turn of events. "Goddamnit old man, why do you have to say that."

"What? Say what?" said the librarian with his brows furrowed.

"You were setting up a flag and it sailed," said Lyon.

"What the hell are you talking about?" the old man scowled. "How is this even my fault, she got summoned back to her homeland— presumably."

Lyon sighed, "Now what."

"You could go to the Elven Empire," said the old man. "After all, they are your allies."

Cecile contemplated before adding, "Not all are our allies, it would be dumb to expect them that way."

"Ah, now I see why Lyon could even maintain an empire of his own," said the old man nodding at Cecile.

"Surprise, surprise," said Lyon. "Where is this Elven Empire."

Selena added, "If they haven't relocated yet, Fifth Hell."

"It's going to be a long road," said Cecile as she looked at the old man. "Unless a helping hand is offered of course."

The old man sighed, "You think I can control the Compendium at will— I wish it was that way."

"Another bust it seems," said Kesya as she put her hands behind her back. 

"Then we are going with the original plan," said Karina. "Make him famous."

Cecile grunted in objection, "The situation that Yala mentioned is not something light. Her father, the Elven Emperor is facing some difficulties... we are talking about the strongest elf around."

"And to divide us into smaller groups would endanger all of us," said Selena. "My blade can protect but not all of you, as well as Kesya."

"I can help," said Karina.

"Yes, definitely, but you're still not strong enough," said Selena.

"But allies come in time of need as well, not just enemies are present," said the old man. 

He cleared his throat, capturing their attention, and gave a suggestion that carried a glimmer of hope.

"I've just remembered," he began, his voice echoing with authority and wisdom, "there's a way we might be able to call attention to your cause. In Second Hell, there stands the Gong of Thousand Lords. It's a relic of great significance, used in the ancient wars of old. When it reverberates, its sound can be heard throughout the entire Second Hell."

Lyon's eyes widened as he grasped the potential of this idea. "The Gong of Thousand Lords? That could be it! Even if I can't shout my name loud enough, the sound of the gong would gather everyone's attention."

Cecile, ever the strategist, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Lyon. This legendary relic's call would be impossible to ignore."

Karina chimed in with her curiosity, "If Maria or anyone who knows about her is in Second Hell, they would undoubtedly be drawn to such a powerful summons."

With determination burning in his eyes, Lyon declared, "Then it's settled. We're heading to Second Hell. If there's even a chance that this gong can help us find Maria, I can't afford to pass it up."

Kesya, her playful spirit reignited, couldn't help but add with a grin, "I can't wait to see just how loud you can make that gong, Lyon."

With their plan set, the group prepared to journey to Second Hell, where the Gong of Thousand Lords awaited, ready to echo their call across the realm and, they hoped, lead them to Maria.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the Elven Empire, Yala found herself summoned to the illustrious throne room. There, the air was steeped in regality, and her father, the Elven Emperor, sat upon his throne, his gaze stern.

"Where did you sneak off this time?" the divine voice of her father echoed through the hall, filled with both concern and authority.

Yala, although aware of her father's expectations and the trouble she often found herself in, wasn't scared. She maintained a composed posture and replied with a touch of humor, "To buy some souvenirs, father. You know how much I love those."

A moment of silence followed, and Yala could sense her father's exasperation. She had expected a reprimand, perhaps a lecture about her responsibilities and the ongoing tensions in their realm. Yet, she also knew how to navigate these conversations, often lightening the mood with her wit and charm.

After a thoughtful pause, the Elven Emperor let out a sigh, realizing he would get no more than this from his adventurous daughter. He knew that her spirited nature was impossible to change, and deep down, he admired her tenacity.

The Emperor gently walked down the grand stairs, his demeanor shifting from the sovereign ruler to a concerned father. He enveloped Yala in a warm hug, his love and worry for her evident. "As long as you're alright," he murmured, releasing her and preparing to leave.

Yala, feeling a little guilty for causing him concern, admitted, "I was summoned at a bad time, Father."

He turned back, curiosity in his eyes. "Bad time? Were you in the middle of some bidding?"

Shaking her head, Yala smiled, "No, not bidding. I met someone interesting."

The Emperor's brows furrowed inquisitively. "Interesting? Who did you meet?"

Yala took a breath, preparing for her father's likely strong reaction. "Another emperor," she said, and as she mentioned the name, a name known by many across realms, his expression changed abruptly, shock rendering him momentarily speechless. The gravity of her encounter was sinking in.

"Who..." His words escaped his lips.

Yala took a breath, preparing for her father's likely strong reaction. "Another emperor," she said, and as she mentioned the name, a name known by many across realms, his expression changed abruptly, shock rendering him momentarily speechless. The gravity of her encounter was sinking in.

The Emperor's eyes widened in sheer disbelief.  "Lyon... Torga,"