Chapter 8: Words of advice
After Nghịch Mệnh entered Renacer, Diego and Zebraem notified all their subordinates to gather on that island. The island was vast, surrounded by many mountains, with no other islands for hundreds of miles outside, and it was far from any continent. In the northeast of the island, there was a long black rectangular table approximately 7 meters in length and about 2 meters in width, decorated with beautiful golden patterns around the edges. On top of it lay a lighter-colored tablecloth with similar decorative patterns. Surrounding the table were 10 neatly arranged chairs, with 4 on the right side and 5 on the left. The chairs shared the same design and patterns as the table, with tall backs and armrests padded with smooth leather, giving a sense of luxury. All were placed next to the Renacer gate, where a few shadowy figures were present.
Seated in the most honorable position was Diego. To his right, three places were already occupied; the first was Zebraem, the second was empty, and the third was a beast-like creature with a muscular build covered in scars, resembling a wolf with feline golden striped eyes. Its hands and feet had sharp claws, and it wore armor protecting parts of its body like the left shoulder, right forearm, thighs, and legs. Underneath the armor was a layer of gray fur with some areas featuring deep red tufts along the arms. The fourth position was occupied by a humanoid figure with a pair of wings made of... dandelion seeds. He had brown skin with elongated white patches resembling feathers on his face, and his hair was white, slicked back. He wore a black outfit with red patterns running along the sides and seams.
To Diego's left, the first position was empty, and on the table in front of that chair was a burning flame flower, Flamme d'amour, its flames swaying in the wind, but they could not be extinguished. The second position was taken by a grotesque creature cloaked in silver that covered its entire body, but it unintentionally revealed black tentacles protruding from the hood, swaying back and forth. Behind the cloak, a large tail resembling a reptile like a snake or lizard was visible. Aside from those odd features, its hands resting on the table were the pale hands of a human. The third position was taken by a monkey the size of an adult, covered in very dark brown fur, almost black, wearing leather armor stitched together with red threads. It sat with one leg on the chair, its red eyes fierce, while its hands waved what appeared to be a... human heart. The fourth position was occupied by a girl with green hair, standing about 1.6 meters tall. Her body had patches of green mixed with bright white skin, and some leaves grew from her. She wore thin silks covering the areas without leaves and the green patches. Her beautiful face resembled a goddess, with emerald-green eyes and a golden necklace adorned with jewels around her neck. The fifth position was a pitch-black sphere that could fit comfortably in the palm of an adult man, floating in midair, rising and falling slightly about 10 centimeters.
Aside from those sitting in chairs, a large suit of armor was leaning against the gate. It was a shiny suit with green patterns and two large shields, measuring about 1.5 meters in length and 1 meter in width, floating beside its shoulders. It sat there, its arms and legs relaxed, with the helmet bowing down, making no sound. Meanwhile, those at the table were engaged in loud discussions, all eager to find Chi Phối to settle scores and seek revenge for their master being ambushed and gravely injured, ultimately entering Renacer in such a severe state. Finally, Diego spoke up to calm everyone down, though each person's heart was still simmering.
After confirming that no one else would arrive, the meeting began.
Diego: As I have said when summoning all of you here, I will present the final orders of His Excellency before entering Renacer.
Everyone with eyes turned to Diego; even the suit of armor by the gate slightly raised its head, all attentive.
Diego: The instructions from His Excellency are as follows:
First: Diego, with intellect and strategic abilities, is appointed to the highest position, called Grand Commander, granted the power to foresee the future, responsible for proposing strategies, plans, and directions for all subjects. From the moment this decision is announced, all actions must be approved by Diego before proceeding. Anyone who opposes it will be seen as opposing Me. Everyone has the right to voice their opinions, but the final decision will belong to him. The only exception is if all key names in the legion collectively resist that decision, in which case a vote will be conducted to reach the final decision.
Second: Implement Walls to divide the entire world.
Third: Collect the fragments of My body that were scattered in the recent battle.
Fourth: No wars involving three marshals or higher ranks should be initiated.
Fifth: Find a way to fill the Wahrnehmun jars as soon as possible.
Sixth: Protect Renacer until the Wahrnehmun jars are full.
Seventh: Anyone wishing to challenge can enter the back of Renacer.
Diego: That is all the instructions given by His Excellency. Does everyone understand? I know you all want to act, but any reckless actions now will lead to dire consequences.
Everyone fell silent; no one spoke against it. They knew, they understood, but this anger had nowhere to go.
Zebraem: So what do we do first?
Diego: Let's make this place a nation! (he spread his arms wide, puffed his chest, and looked up at the sky as he spoke)
Zebraem: A nation?
Diego: Exactly.
The plant girl spoke up: We will need to enact many laws, rules, and build countless structures. Who will handle these matters?
Diego: The plans and blueprints are already in my mind, so you need not worry about that. As for labor, I will seek the assistance of Poseidon and Helm (the suit of armor leaning against the Renacer gate).
Zebraem: So who will be the inhabitants of this nation?
Diego: We will accept all races except humans!
Everyone fell silent for a long while. No one spoke again.
Diego: If no one has any further objections, we will decide on this matter. As for the two absent today, apart from her, I will notify Poseidon. Everyone may disperse.
The figure with dandelion wings spoke: Sir Diego, there is a powerful race in the south expanding their territory called the Tiên Long tribe. Should we negotiate with them?
Diego: Tiên Long tribe? Have the Tiên and Long tribes in the south merged?
Zebraem: I have some impressions of that. I once heard about a Tiên Long born with royal blood from the Long tribe and a Tiên spirit that ended a hundred-year war between the Tiên and Long tribes. Ultimately, he ascended the throne and became the first Tiên Long King to date.
Diego: Where did you get that information?
Zebraem: Why should I tell you? I'm not interested.
Diego showed signs of annoyance but let it slide.
Diego: I will arrange it later. The Tiên Long tribe, huh? A race possessing both the speed and magical capacity of the Tiên and the pure strength of the Long is indeed formidable! If we cannot negotiate, it's best to not invade each other.
The meeting among the key members of the Nghịch Mệnh legion concluded there.