In the Shield Kingdom of Aegis, within the grand halls of the royal palace, one of King Oberon's most trusted subordinates knelt before the throne.
"Your Majesty," the subordinate reported, voice respectful and measured. "The Oracle of the Four Grand Hierophants has arrived, along with their delegation."
King Oberon — wise and benevolent in the eyes of his people — sat upon his ornate throne, the image of serene authority. But behind those kind eyes burned a colder truth: calculated ambition.
Beside him stood an aged knight, armor polished from countless battles. His most striking feature wasn't the armor — it was the gaze. Sharp. Unwavering. A stare that peeled back lies like old paint.
A subtle smirk brushed Oberon's lips.
"Very well." Oberon's fingers tapped once, deliberate and sharp. "Prepare the grand audience hall. We shall receive them… at once."
He exchanged a quiet glance with his senior advisors. No words. Just understanding.
This meeting was far more than a ceremony.
The arrival of the Oracle was a keystone in Oberon's veiled designs. It was the next move in a hidden game.
The hall shimmered with gold and marble, banners fluttering faintly in the chamber's high silence.
King Oberon sat tall, regal and attentive. Beside him, the aged knight stood like a silent mountain.
Across from the throne, seated upon their own ceremonial chair of polished obsidian, sat the Oracle of the Four Grand Hierophants — cloaked in ceremonial finery, their presence steeped in old power.
The knight remained at Oberon's side, gaze fixed and observant.
Oberon spoke first.
"Venerable Oracle." His tone was smooth, precise. "Given the… irregular presence detected within the Forbidden Forest — and in light of your guidance — we concur that a discreet intervention is the most prudent course of action."
He paused.
"Our elite hero party will be dispatched. Their task: to locate this individual, and ensure their removal from the equation… discreetly. We trust this aligns with the interests we've previously discussed."
The lead Oracle inclined their head. "Indeed, King Oberon. The Holy Kingdom of Hagnos finds your decisiveness most agreeable. Such unpredictable potential must be… accounted for."
Another Oracle stepped forward, voice low. "The Forbidden Forest does not yield its secrets lightly. Let us hope your heroes prove… worthy."
The aged knight's expression remained unchanged. But his eyes sharpened. Watching. Measuring.
Oberon folded his hands.
"Rest assured — the Shield Kingdom possesses resources beyond appearance. The matter will be handled swiftly."
The Oracle nodded.
"Then we are aligned. May our efforts yield the… desired results."
A beat passed.
"As a gesture of goodwill — and to ensure success — the Holy Kingdom will contribute directly." The Oracle's gaze shifted. "We are dispatching one of our most discreet agents. A specialist in infiltration and… extraction."
From behind the Oracle's shadow stepped a figure — silent and fluid as fog. Concealing garb. Face lost beneath a deep hood. They radiated precision and danger in equal measure.
"This is Kael," the lead Oracle stated. "His expertise will balance the scales. Ensure your heroes cooperate. His success is paramount."
The other two Hierophants remained seated, unmoving — one with hands folded in prayer-like stillness, the other watching Kael with an unreadable expression.
Oberon's eyes narrowed slightly.
This wasn't expected. But a weapon in hand, even a borrowed one, was still a weapon.
"Very well." A tight, polished smile. "Our heroes will be briefed to follow his lead."
Beside him, the aged knight shifted. Just slightly. His gaze pinned Kael like a blade — a silent warning passed between men who lived by instinct.
The Oracle nodded.
"Then let us see what fruit this alliance bears."
The chamber fell quiet.
The banners did not move.