Friends and Foes

On every continent there is a place where a challenge can be given to other nations or Heroes.

It is a place maintained by all Kingdoms and it is a neutral place for everybody.

Once a Nation or a Kingdom is challenged they are required to send a Hero to represent their interest. The challenger will be required to offer something to the kingdom being challenged and if they accept they are required to offer something of the same value.

The offerings will vary. It can be land, artifacts, resources, food, slaves or anything that the other side values.

Winner of the duel will take the losers offerings.

Eight Kingdoms have sent their challenge a few days after Adam declared the mountains of Devil's Thorns as his territory. A few more Kingdoms have sent a Hero or two to observe the event and to represent their interest. Among the observers are two of the Hero Knights from Cavalon.

Five of the eight Kingdoms that have borders inside the jagged mountains came to challenge for their territory.

These five Kingdoms use the jagged mountains as a barrier for their territory and don't wish to have another nation suddenly right at their back door.

Among the five is the Kingdom of Verendel, the Queen of the High Elves wish to get justice for her son.

The other two nations who sent their challenge is a bit of a surprise to everyone. One of them is a world power who have more than fifty Heroes under their Kingdom and one of the two known Kingdoms in the world who possess a real Class SSS Rank Hero. The Demon clan of the south Ethereal Gate. The other is the mysterious Kingdom of the deep sea, the Atlanteans usually does not concern themselves with the events on the surface.

The last challenge was issued by a Hermit Hero. His challenge came out of nowhere and was totally unexpected. In fact to most of the people in this continent, this Hermit Hero is totally unknown. Only the Kingdoms who have dealings in the eastern continent knows of this eccentric Hero.

By Law of the Land, Adam is required to give his answer whether he wish to agree or decline their individual challenge.

.............

Before they left, Adam purchased a small villa inside the inner city wall. It serves as his house whenever he visits the city.

It is manned by a hundred Sentinels disguised as armored guards.

Adam informed Galahad that he can reach Adam if he leaves a message to one of his servants.

A few days after Adam's declaration and his new territory is established. One of Adam's Sentinel bots was summoned by Arthran.

The King was a bit skeptical when Merlin informed him that the person in front of him now is in fact a sentient metallic creature and is fully capable of wiping a battalion of their soldiers. If its capabilities are measured, it can be compared to a Class A ranked Hero.

Arthran relayed his wish to the Sentinel that he wants to talk to Adam about his plans for the Demon's Thorns. He wishes to understand and also secure an agreement for their two Kingdom's mutual peace. In exchange for the Alliance, he will provide Adam with all the information that he will need to understand this world better and Cavalon's support for his endeavors.

An hour later a five mile long shadow fell upon the Kingdom. Few seconds later, twenty more slightly smaller ones appeared and stationed themselves around the big one.

Everyone saw the massive black ship hover on top of Arthran's Castle. And the rest surrounded the whole city as if they're just some insignificant bugs.

A few minutes later a beam of light shines down inside the castle gates and a lady with a very beautiful face appeared. Everyone recognized her as one of the ladies who came with Adam.

Sir Galahad and Sir Mordred met her at the front door. They can't seem to take their eyes off the huge Super Dreadnaught on top of the castle. Both of them can't figure out what to do if that thing attacked the city.

"Greeting fair lady. It's an honor to be in your presence again. King Arthran is waiting in the Throne room."

Sir Galahad said and gestured with his hands towards the door.

Beatriz nodded to the guard that guided towards the door and smiled politely towards the waiting knights and their entourage. Everyone was mesmerized by her beauty. Being a person raised to be a ruler, and a princess who's influence once span over vast galaxies. She exudes an aura of Nobility unlike anyone the Knights have ever seen. Not even their King can project such noble persona.

"Lord Adam asked me to come here as his representative. My name is Princess Beatriz Emilia."