"P-please... explain further. I do not quite understand what you are asking for yet." Bzzrt said, slightly thrown off. "You say that all you require is a helping hand, and that we will be greatly rewarded afterward, but that proposition sounds too good to be true, no? What exactly do you mean when you say you need a helping hand from us?" He asked.
"Since you all understand that my goal is dominion over this island, I don’t think it will surprise you when I ask for the giant mosquito population to surrender unto me," Midas stated with confidence and nonchalance. It was as if he were asking for a toy or a piece of candy.
Bzzrt and the other mosquitoes widened their eyes slightly as they heard this. Of course, Midas was right in his assumption. All of the insects in the room knew that surrendering was what the player wanted out of them.
However, to hear it directly from Midas’s lips so casually was still a bit shocking.
It had been many years since giant mosquitoes were under threat of any kind. So, abrupt and casual requests of absolute surrender weren’t something they would take lightly, like Midas was doing.
Of course, this calm tone was a part of Midas’s plan as well. If he were to seem desperate and needy here, it could show that he was lacking in power.
Not only did this risk the mosquitoes not wanting to surrender under him, seeing him as a weak leader, but it could also trigger a counterattack at any moment.
Midas could feel the tension in the room.
’I know that these mosquitoes have assumed a lower position to me, even the king now addressing me as lord. However, that is only temporary for all he knows. I can not mistake caution for weakness.’ Midas thought to himself, focused on his goal.
"However, do not mistake it. Surrendering to me isn’t a negative fate for you all. Of course, it sounds quite conceded for me to say this, as it would be far too convenient for you all. But still, I want you to trust me, even if it’s just for now." Midas said.
The mosquitoes nodded their heads, listening as Midas continued.
"Surrendering to me does not mean anything will change in the normal life of most mosquitoes. Your species will have nearly the exact amount of control over Demadur as you do now. You may patrol the same, hunt the same, and build all the same. However, it will be on an island of far less threat. There will be no Sergalas to threaten your species, nor will there be any orcs that will ever wage war on the Jzzri Mountain." Midas confidently stated.
This seemed to surprise the mosquitoes further.
"W-what? How?" Bzzrt immediately asked, "You are saying that we can still hold similar dominion while living free of these threats? Without the orcs or Sergalas... there is no danger left on this island that can threaten the extinction of our species. We can finally live in peace."
The other mosquitoes exchanged quick glances, nodding with agreement.
"Understand that for many decades, my ancestors fought in countless wars with both orcs and serpents. Back then, our population was weak. Famine thrashed our lands, leading to most mosquitoes turning into small, puny insects only the size of a mere grape. However, from that horrible time, we have evolved. Through strategy in numbers and sheer resilience, our species has now taken over a large part of this island. Still, many live in fear, for stories of haunting pasts are not very far away. To our kin, peace is still a new feeling. One that we have not fully acclimated to. The fear and anxiety of war are still deep within us. To have this fear destroyed... it would mean more than anything." Bzzrt seemed very sincere.
Midas could tell that this mosquito clearly cared a lot about his people. This was something that he could use to his advantage.
"Absolutely, King Bzzrt. And that is why I have proposed such peace to you. My rule is not of iron, but of gold. Only prosperity shall follow." Midas said.
"If that is your promise..." Bzzrt paused, "Tell me... what do you require from us?" He said.
Midas grinned inwardly, bearing his fangs. ’Finally... claw to be under me. Desire it, and it shall be yours.’ He thought to himself.
"Sergalas is already under my rule. Believe it if you want, but he has submitted unto me." Midas stated, causing the eyes of those in the room to widen with amazement and disbelief. The part that Sergalas was still denying Midas’s rule, however, was information that didn’t need to be disclosed right now.
Before anyone could get out a word, Midas continued.
"Now, all that remains is the orcs. I’m sure you all know by now that recently, orcs attacked Sergalas’s Cavern. Since you saw the army marching toward my old base, Im sure you saw the even larger army marching toward the Vineral mountains as well." Midas said.
The mosquitoes nodded.
"I have already come up with a way to defeat the orcs. It is only a matter of time now before they are no longer a threat to any soul on this island. Well... actually, I lied. It will be a matter of time, but only if you agree to my request, King Bzzrt." Midas said, his eyes peering into the king’s.
"What do you need... Lord Midas?" Bzzrt said, his tone low and his eyes steely.
Midas’s smile in his head grew even wider. Seeing the king thirst for the perfect idea that he had created was both satisfying and relieving.
"Firstly, I need men. An army of three hundred or so should do. They will help in both labor and war. However, I promise to you that not a single mosquito shall return to you without all their limbs intact." Midas paused for a split second as he said this.
’W-what!?’ Bzzrt exclaimed in his head, ’H-how!? How on Fell-Terra is that possible!?’ He questioned, unable to understand, but baffled regardless.
"Next, I need food. Your species will provide food for me and all men that are under me from now until the end of your service. Of course, if the task is overwhelming to a certain extent, that duty will be relinquished and divided among other groups as well. And finally... I need at least a dozen sacks full of Blood Essence. I know that this final request may seem like a lot, but for the eradication of the threat of orcs, it is the most important variable."