Humanity's Hero Of Despair

"If we kill them, the Emperor would find out fairly quickly. Do not act rashly, Vice President."

Vice President? This is getting more suspicious by the second. Obviously, the Grand Duke and this Vice President don't want the Emperor finding out about something important. I continue listening intently as my magic keeps me hidden.

"I understand that, Grand Duke. However, they might find out faster if we keep them alive and they free themselves and contact someone who is loyal to the Emperor. If His Imperial Highness gets his hands on the Elemental Sphere of Earth, it is over for us."

The Vice President speaks aggressively in a negative tone. The Grand Duke responds in a calm voice, which is even more dangerous than an aggressive one. It means he is in control of himself.

I amplify my dark stealth magic so I can inch forward toward the staircase while the guards on duty are half asleep.

"I know that, Vice President. However, if I manage to get my hands on a very capable earth mage and if I can entrust them with the Elemental Sphere of Earth, even the Emperor's magic will not be able to stop me from reaching my goals. The only others we have to worry about are Grand Duke Lotus and his group. If they do not decide to join our side in this war, we have to find a way to terminate all of them."

There is silence for a moment. The Vice President's voice becomes louder.

"If they do join us, the Emperor doesn't stand a chance. However, if they don't, we must be careful, or else the Emperor will send backup if he finds out we did something to Oriventh's Hero. Grand Duke Zogard would also send his troops, so you must be very careful."

Something falls to the ground, making the guards by the staircase more awake.

"I know that, Vice President."

This is my sign to leave. My magic starts fading in and out. I quickly leave the staircase as the guards look up at the commotion going on above them. I quietly open my bedroom door once I reach it. Once my door is fully closed, my magic completely fades away. I sigh as I walk to the closet and put on clothes to sleep in.

Well, it's confirmed now. The Grand Duke does have the Elemental Sphere of Earth, and at the same time, he isn't fully done with the idea of rebelling against the Emperor.

He is talking with, from what I know, the Vice President of Ryndoria.

That would add up since both could make a deal to help revolt against their countries' leaders.

My bed feels too warm as I roll around, shifting in my sheets. The thoughts of the Grand Duke and Vice President refuse to let me sleep. Eventually, after possibly thirty minutes of fighting with them, I fall asleep.

The next morning, I wake up feeling like a cement brick is on my back.

My feet feel heavy as I walk to the bathroom to get ready, the events of last night still haunting my mind. We came here to find out if the Grand Duke is planning something or not. Well, I found out he is. However, what to do with that information yet, I have no idea.

I head to the meal room, making sure I am acting happy and normal.

Breakfast goes by like a breeze as my friends and I make small talk, and the Grand Duke does his usual silent reading of documents, occasionally making a comment or two. He leaves the table early again.

Instead of telling my friends what I found out in the meal room, I tell all of them we should head to the ancient museum of artifacts, which the Grand Duchy of Pedgas has as a popular tourist destination.

They all excitedly agree with me, and we all head out to the Pedgas Museum of Ancient Artifacts. We walk through the city together, and everything seems fine. I continue to give a happy expression and good appearance just in case any of the Grand Duke's people are watching over us.

We enter the museum and start exploring. I make sure all of us head to a cool exhibit. We round a corner, and I quickly cast illusion magic by combining my dark and light magic around us to protect us from any outsiders—a technique very similar to the shadow dome my sister first used on me.

"Guys, last night, I stayed back a bit on the second floor while you all went to bed. I checked out the staircase leading up to the third floor, and I overheard the Grand Duke talking with what seemed to be the Vice President of Ryndoria, which adds up since they both want to overthrow the leaders of their countries."

"The Grand Duke also has the Elemental Sphere of Earth with him. If we aren't careful, this could mean a potential world war and the collapse of the GA. Both of these together mean we lost the war against the dragons and goblins before it even started."

Everyone looks at me in shock.

"I figured as much. It is good we got evidence, though, and confirmed it. There is no use in planning to put him down if he actually was standing down. Though, since we know that not to be the case anymore, we should hold nothing back ourselves," Quillen says reasonably to all of us.

Zephyr makes his opinion known.

"Agreed. We have to act like we know nothing. Reporting this information to the Emperor through an imperial agent stationed here is a must. Once the Emperor knows of the situation, he will know how to handle this political matter better, as well as how to handle the military situation."

As if on cue, a mysterious figure slips into our protective illusion bubble, which freaks all of us out. The figure throws back his hood and puts a finger to his lips in a hushed manner. He speaks softly.

"I am an imperial agent for the Emperor. I followed you guys here as I noticed some of the Grand Duke's spies were watching all of you. I managed to throw them off in the wrong direction. Do you have any updates to give us?"

I re-explain everything to the imperial agent, and we watch as his eyes widen. Once the imperial agent is caught up with all the details, he vanishes as fast as he came. We then all do our best to enjoy the museum for the rest of the day until we prepare to head back to Pedgas Castle for dinner.

All of us are unsure about the future of humanity.