"Kelta will fall in three years," Arlon said, his voice steady but somber.
Zephyrion, who had maintained a calm and listening demeanor so far, frowned for the first time. His golden eyes bore into Arlon, sharp and probing. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"
"There are Mimes among the administrators," Arlon explained. "I don't know how many, and I don't know their exact goal, but they will cause significant problems alongside the anti-saviors."
Zephyrion's frown deepened. "How do you kno—"
"As I told you earlier, I can't answer questions about how I know," Arlon interrupted firmly.
Zephyrion sighed, a sound filled with equal parts frustration and contemplation. "Go on."
Although Zephyrion outwardly maintained skepticism, Arlon could sense that his words had struck a nerve. It was expected. Kelta, the Crown of Trion, represented not only the government's power but also its stability. Suggesting its downfall was akin to predicting a collapse of the entire realm.
But this was part of Arlon's strategy. He had already planted a seed of trust by directing Zephyrion to Poko Mountain, where the monster core awaited discovery. By refraining from naming it outright, he left room for Zephyrion's imagination to fill in the blanks.
Perhaps Zephyrion would believe Arlon could foresee the future. Or maybe he'd think Arlon was from the future himself. Whatever conclusion Zephyrion reached, it would create just enough doubt to keep him listening—and acting cautiously.
"Please investigate the administrators one by one," Arlon continued. "But do not kill or capture them." Your next chapter is on empire
Zephyrion raised an eyebrow. "And why shouldn't I eliminate an enemy?"
"Because if you do, the Keldars will change their strategy into something unpredictable," Arlon explained. "If the Mimes believe their infiltration is undetected, they won't escalate their plans.
"You can even turn this to your advantage. Feed them controlled information—hide what's crucial while giving them just enough to think they're succeeding. Then, when the moment is right, use them to mislead the Keldars at a critical juncture."
Zephyrion's expression softened slightly. It wasn't outright agreement, but it was enough for Arlon to feel he was being taken seriously.
Arlon explained his idea, but he was sure that Zephyrion would already think about this and would not kill the Mimes.
"I see," Zephyrion said after a long pause. "What else?"
Arlon hesitated briefly, choosing his next words carefully. "There's another threat on the horizon. The Keldars are attempting to recruit the saviors to their side. Since the saviors believe this is a game, they may accept the offer without hesitation."
Zephyrion's gaze darkened at this revelation, though he still refrained from speaking.
"Think about it," Arlon pressed on. "To them, switching sides is just another option. If they see it as part of the game, some of them might even find it exciting. Once they're on the Keldars' side, they'll gain access to unlimited resources and opportunities to grow stronger. The Keldars will prioritize their advancement above anything else."
Arlon paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
Zephyrion still didn't respond, his silence inviting Arlon to continue.
Over the next several minutes, Arlon shared as much as he could about the future. He spoke of the invasion of the frontlines, the betrayals of trusted NPCs, and the eventual chaos that led to Kelta's fall.
However, there were limits to Arlon's knowledge. He could only describe the outcomes he had witnessed in his past timeline; the exact plans and strategies of the Keldars remained shrouded in mystery.
"I wish I could give you more," Arlon admitted finally. "But much of what I know is incomplete. What I can tell you is that time isn't on our side. The Keldars are moving, and so are their allies. We need to prepare now, not later."
Zephyrion leaned back in his chair, his imposing figure framed by the faint glow of the room's magical lanterns. His expression remained inscrutable, but his eyes held a glint of something—perhaps resolve, or maybe calculation.
"I will consider your words," Zephyrion said at last, his tone measured. "You've given me much to think about."
For now, it was the most Arlon could ask for.
"But if all of this is true, doesn't it mean the Keldars won't be able to cause any significant problems? Wouldn't that make the fight much easier?" Zephyrion asked.
Arlon shook his head. "I wouldn't count on that. First, these are only the plans I know about. There could be others we're unaware of.
"Second, if we stop them from executing their current plans, they'll likely adapt, change strategies, or even suspect there's a spy among us. That could lead to even bigger problems."
Zephyrion studied Arlon closely before asking, "Then at least tell me this—are you a spy, acting like on their side after accepting their offer?"
Arlon's expression didn't waver. "I would never do that. For one, I hate acting like an assassin. It's not my style.
Secondly, sure, they might offer me opportunities, but even with all of them, I wouldn't become strong enough to surpass their boss since if I got close in terms of strength, I would be eliminated."
Zephyrion chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that echoed in the room. "That's good thinking. Alright then. Let's wrap this up and head to the training ground."
"Before that, I have one last thing."
"What is it?"
"If these are true, I would be preventing Trion from ruins like 30 to 40 times. Won't I get a reward?"
Zephyrion was momentarily stunned by the sudden and bold request. However, he couldn't deny that Arlon was right.
Arlon's point was so valid that, with the information he provided, if Arlon had asked to rule Trion as a reward, Zephyrion would have had no grounds to refuse.
Arlon smirked and told Zephyrion what he wanted.
---
After their conversation, Arlon and Zephyrion made their way to the training room.
Though it was called a training room, the space was completely empty.
There was nothing inside—no equipment, no visible tools—but Arlon could tell that the walls, floor, and ceiling were made of something far from ordinary materials.
He must train here. I wonder what material this is, knowing it can withstand Zephyrion's power.
Meanwhile, Zephyrion removed his glasses, once again taking on the fearsome visage of a tiger.
Arlon felt the pressure, but it wasn't as big as the last time. Since this wasn't real pressure, Arlon was more baffled when he felt it for the first time.
But now, he was ready for it. So it was okay.
"You can use any weapons," Zephyrion said, his tone casual but his gaze sharp. "But I don't like fighting without stakes. So, how about a bet?"
Arlon raised an eyebrow. "I don't think that's fair. We both know you could win against me in a single move."
Arlon was right. Zephyrion didn't need to lift a finger to defeat him.
Unbeknownst to them, Zephyrion was strong enough to defeat Asef, the leader of the Keldars, ten times over in a fair fight.
The problem was, with Asef's Zeno, he'd simply revive for an eleventh match.
Zephyrion chuckled. "Don't worry. I'll limit myself. I'll cap my power at level 99."
Arlon frowned. "Don't you think you're underestimating me a little too much?"
"Haha! Not at all," Zephyrion replied. "Remember, I'm a Beastman, and you're Human. Beastmen have a natural edge in one-on-one combat. Even at the same level, a Beastman is usually stronger. So, if anything, I'm overestimating you by staying only at level 99."
"I see," Arlon said. "Then, what's the bet?"
Zephyrion's smirk widened. "Since I promised not to ask about the source of your information, I'll respect that. Instead, if I win, I want to know how you managed to act like a Trionian guide while being a savior."
"And if I win?"
Zephyrion replied confidently, his tone almost daring "Anything you want!"