Dumpy followed Leo outside the throne room, hopping with a big smile on his face.
"We are never returning to this place ever again are we? Lord Father?" Dumpy inquired, as Leo glanced silently towards his pet, before breaking into a big smile.
"Most likely… yes–" Leo said, as Dumpy began to snicker and laugh.
This was the Lord Father he knew and respected.
Everyone else in the world might strive to be Emperor.
Might dream of the day they ascended the throne, but for Lord Father it was but another mundane achievement.
"Might I interest Lord Father in some of the beauties waiting for you outside these halls? In my understanding there are quite a few who are plump and ready to plant your seed in" Dumpy asked, as Leo chuckled out loud.
"Come here–" Leo said, slowing his pace, as he allowed Dumpy to hop beside him, their pace now in sync.
"Listen carefully Dumpy, for its a life lesson I will probably never be able to teach you again….." Leo muttered in a low-tone, as Dumpy listened with his ears perked up.
"Things like women…. Politics… Kingdom management…. Even merchant stuff…. It's all best left for spineless men who can never hope to be the ultimate warrior.
However, if your goal is to be the ultimate warrior, then you should focus on one thing and one thing only, which is your own strength" Leo said, as he rubbed Dumpy on his head and patted him on his back.
"Men like you and me, we are born to fight. Not to be tied down to one seat.
Today, it doesn't matter if I appoint ChaosBringer as my regent, or his sister…. If they betray me I can seize the throne with my own power, as even if the world is against me, I have the confidence to win against the world all alone.
It's a cocky way to live. You might even say, I've become too full of myself, but I can no longer put on the facade of humility.
At Least not in front of you.
I am the best, and I'm not shy to admit it.
The world fears me and I say they should.
I've worked hard to be feared, and I'll be damned if I let some throne cage me while I'm still in my prime" Leo whispered, as with a final pat to the back he pulled away from Dumpy, letting him digest the words he just spouted in silence.
'He is the best….' Dumpy thought, smiling wildly, as that thought made him feel warm and fuzzy in his heart.
For him, his Lord Father was always the strongest, but hearing him admit that felt satisfying on more levels than one.
'That's right… we can't be caged by a stupid throne! We were born to roam and terrorize the world. Me, Lord Father and Lord Grandfather are warriors. We belong on the battlefield' Dumpy concluded, as he followed Leo with his chest filled with pride.
This was a defining moment in his life, a lesson he was never going to forget for as long as he lived.
From this moment onwards, his life's goal was to become the ultimate warrior just like his Lord Father, while everything else faded to the background.
**********
(Real World, the Arc Ship, Sector B, ChaosBringer's POV)
Just as ChaosBringer logged out of the game, he was surprised to see three unexpected guests sitting in his apartment, seemingly waiting for him on his dining table.
Watching their relaxed demeanor and elvish features, ChaosBringer immediately discerned their identity to be the ship operators. However, seeing them intrude his living quarters this way, felt surprising nonetheless.
"Player ChaosBringer…. I'm the Captain of this ship, Captain Kid. It's a pleasure to meet you" Kid said, gesturing for ChaosBringer to take a seat, which ChaosBringer accepted with grace.
"Please make yourself at home, Captain, although I see you're already using my utensils and supplies, do let me know if you need anything else" ChaosBringer said, as he looked towards the coffee cups that Raven and Raya had in hand.
*Cough*
Coughing slightly, Raya blushed pink, taking a sip from the cup shyly.
This was all technically ship property, and not the passengers, but it still felt awkward to be called out for it.
If it were any other man, they would have felt flushed to see Raya blush before them, however, her charm had no effect on ChaosBringer, who looked at her with nothing but apathy in his eyes.
'Dirty Bitch…' ChaosBringer thought, containing his anger, as he patiently waited for Captain Kid to discuss business.
"ChaosBringer, you've been appointed regent by 'TheBoss', which has given you unprecedented access in shaping the future of the game world.
It's quite a milestone and we wish to congratulate for it–" Kid began, as ChaosBringer accepted the compliment and nodded curtly at the Captain's words.
"It's indeed a matter of great personal pride for me that Lord Boss has appointed ME as regent…. I will not fail him" ChaosBringer said, as at that moment, Captain Kid awkwardly exchanged glances with Raven and Raya.
"Well, we are here today to ask you to do exactly that. We wish to offer you an opportunity to become a double agent and for that, we will offer you unprecedented benefits.
You just need to secretly sabotage the hold of the rebels over the Empire and help the righteous faction take back control of the throne.
And for your services, we will shower you with MP, money, real life benefits, information packs and pretty much anything that you desire" Raven suggested, as for a moment the atmosphere in the room became incredibly tense.
No one could predict how ChaosBringer would respond to the offer, and while they hoped he would accept it, allowing the Unity Government on Terra Nova to finally ease its grip on their throats, nothing was certain until he signed the papers.
They had offered him open terms… he could get anything he desired as long as he became a double agent, and Captain Kid felt certain that only a fool would reject such an offer.
A fool that they knew ChaosBringer was not.