Bashido, standing tall and imposing announced, "Your Majesty, we have brought Dr. Kintovar as requested." The Elite Guard, including Bashido bowed in unison before their king.

  King Maizen raised his hand in response. “At ease.”

  The Elite Guard got back to their feet. King Maizen looked to his Elite Guard and began with stern tone. "Report on your last mission."

  Muiler G spoke up, "Our mission was a success, Your Majesty. We eliminated the Mystical creatures before they could breach the West and we've located the source of their formation within our barriers. It's the shield of creation, one of the goddess items and we've narrowed down its location."

  Kintovar couldn't hide her surprise at the mention of the goddess item but she had to remain silent.

  Princess Anitina hesitated for a moment before adding, "We've also discovered that the traitor who possesses the shield of creation can only be one of our own soldiers. It must be someone with a high status. It could only be an Elite Guard or one of their Lieutenants."

  Prince Vuldo chimed in. "Indeed, the traitor must be someone with access to classified information and high clearance. We can narrow it down further. There are a few possibilities."

  Bashido declared, "Whoever the traitor is, I'll crush their heads."

  King Maizen's smile never wavered, but he enveloped himself in a dark aura, and a pressure of his own energy effected everyone within the room, slowing down their regular movements, his Elite Guard included. Muiler G held a sadistic smile in the face of the king's dark aura unlike the others that showed signs of struggling.

  King Maizen's dark aura slowly dissipated. "I know I didn’t need to remind any of you of my power. You all know it well by now, but even so, consider this a reminder. I do not want to accuse any of you in this room."

  His gaze swept across his Elite Guard. "Punishment for betrayal is death at the hands of the King. That will be all.”

  The Elite guard was dismissed; however, King Maizen's said loudly, “Muiler G, you will stay behind."

  Muiler G turned around and gave respectful nod. "Understood."

  The rest of the Elite Guard filed out of the throne room, leaving only Muiler G, Kintovar, Roselle, Risebelle, Runebelle, and King Maizen in the grand chamber.

  King Maizen turned his attention to Kintovar and the others. "I apologize for the wait, Dr. Kintovar. Administrative matters can be quite time-consuming. I am King Maizen, ruler of the Western territory."

  Kintovar nodded her head, "It's a pleasure to meet you, King Maizen. I have with me Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle."

  King Maizen acknowledged them with a nod.

  Roselle offered a warm smile and returned the king’s. "It’s nice to meet you, King Maizen."

  Risebelle’s nod was curter. Her gaze was cold with a hint of disdain

  Runebelle, in contrast seemed overwhelmed by the grandeur of the throne room. She hung her head in her usual gloomy demeanor. Seeing this, Roselle gently moved Runebelle’s head up to meet the king’s gaze. With a gentle, encouraging tone, Roselle whispered, "It’s okay, Runebelle. Just give a nod."

  Runebelle managed a small nod in response.

  The King smiled. “A pleasure to meet you all. I've heard about your recent actions, Dr. Kintovar. Bailing out Juliana Kintovar, one of the top 10 criminals in our realm, is a rather unexpected move. What brings you to my castle today?"

  Kintovar met King Maizen's gae and explained, "I seek your permission for Juliana Kintovar to leave the Western Kingdom and accompany me to the Eastern Kingdom. I have a project in the East, and I believe her expertise could be valuable."

  King Maizen leaned back in his throne with intrigue. He then said, "Dr. Kintovar, do you realize that the Eastern and Western Kingdoms are currently in a state of enmity? A war is brewing between our cities; however, due to the upcoming Annual Tournament, the East has temporarily set aside their differences with us to allow our Western Kingdom to compete this year."

  King Maizen’s face grew serious. "Releasing a top 10 criminal like Juliana Kintovar to the public eye is not a simple matter, Dr. Kintovar. The implications extend far beyond our borders. It won't be just the Eastern Kingdom observing my decision; the North and South Nations will also be watching closely."

  He leaned forward. "By allowing Juliana to leave the Western Kingdom, we risk raising suspicions and fueling tensions with other nations. Our allies, and potential enemies, will scrutinize our actions. It could be perceived as a sign of weakness or an attempt to undermine the stability of the realm. Furthermore, the release of a top 10 criminal could lead to unrest within our own kingdom. These are serious risks that must be weighed carefully."

  Kintovar acknowledged the information with a nod. "I'm aware of the tensions between our kingdoms, but I believe the project I'm working on could benefit both Kingdoms. It is of the utmost importance, and I assure you, King Maizen, that I do not take this request lightly."

  King Maizen furrowed his brow. "That’s very interesting, but I need more details about this project of yours. What potential benefits does it hold for both kingdoms?"

  Kintovar responded at an instant. "My project is centered on unlocking the power of the goddess item, the 7 star crimson blade. It is believed to possess immense capabilities that could bring great advantages to your kingdom."

  King Maizen’s face grew stern. His demeanor becoming more imposing. “That’s not good enough. I considered your offer because I believed you had something of great value to present and because you are a smart woman. However, one single benefit—even one as potentially significant as the 7 Star Crimson Blade is not sufficient for me to justify the release of a top 10 criminal. Even if it’s the prize of the Tournament.”

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  He leaned forward. “You must understand that the stakes are high. The implications of such a decision require more than just assurances of potential gain. I need something more concrete, more compelling, to justify this risk.”

  Kintovar met his gaze with resolve. “Very well, King Maizen. I understand.” She took a deep breath and murmured to herself, ‘Looks like I’ll have to pull out my trump card.’ Her thoughts turned inward and she mentally pictured Rawna within her mind. ‘I’m sorry, Rawna. This is the only way to make our plan work’.

  Kintovar took a deep breath and addressed King Maizen with newfound resolve. “If you are willing to consider my request, I propose my team entering the Annual Tournament. All the goddess items are bound to be there, including the Spear of Destruction currently owned by Rawna of the South. I will find a way to obtain that spear and deliver it to you.”

  A smirk slowly spread across King Maizen’s face. “The Spear of Destruction, you say? With its power in my possession, I would have the means to solidify my authority and ensure no one questions my judgments again. The power it holds would be unparalleled.”

  He paused for a moment, contemplating. “However, there is the possibility that you could use the spear against us. I must take precautions.”

  King Maizen extended his hand, and a circle of dark energy materialized around Kintovar, binding her in place. Kintovar's eyes widened. She felt the magical restraints tightening. She struggled momentarily but Maizen said, “I won’t be taken for a fool. Do not struggle. You need only agree with what I say, or disagree.”

  Risebelle’s eyes flared with anger. She summoned her cannon and directed the cannon at King Maizen.

  Kintovar, still struggling within the restraints shouted, “No, don’t do it, Risebelle! Please!”

  Risebelle’s growl intensified. She was tense for a moment but eventually, her face began to soften. She then lowered the cannon.

  King Maizen observed the scene with a smirk. He began his questioning. “Dr. Kintovar, do you intend to use the Spear of Destruction to destroy the Western Kingdom?”

  Kintovar took a deep breath. “No, I do not.”

  When she spoke, the dark bindings around her loosened slightly, offering a glimmer of relief. King Maizen’s gaze remained penetrating but he nodded slightly. “Very well. What about the Eastern Kingdom? Will you use the spear against them?”

  “No,” Kintovar replied firmly. The bindings relaxed further.

  King Maizen's eyes narrowed. “And what of your own motives? Are you seeking to further your own power or ambitions with this spear?”

  Kintovar shook her head. “No, my intentions are solely to advance a project that could benefit both the Eastern and Western Kingdoms.

  The bindings around Kintovar tightened. King Maizen’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “It seems you may have ulterior motives after all. “One last question: Do you intend to deliver the Spear of Destruction to me?”

  Kintovar hesitated for a moment a minute while giving grunts against the pain of the magic tightening around her. Finally, she said, “Yes.”

  The moment her answer left her lips, the magical bindings around her vanished into nothingness. Kintovar exhaled in relief and rubbed her wrists where the dark magic was focused.

  King Maizen spoke while maintaining a neutral look. “I am somewhat surprised. Most who promise to deliver the spear end up being liars, yet you have only told one lie. I can respect that.”

  The King regarded her with a thoughtful gaze. “Now, what makes you so confident in your ability to secure the spear and fulfill your promise?”

  Kintovar met his gaze with resolve. “I have meticulously planned this endeavor. I have three extraordinary entrants: Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle, whom I brought with me. They are not ordinary participants; they were created with advanced technology and possess souls. They are the first of their kind and I guarantee that they will not only survive but also dominate and eliminate the competition at the Annual Tournament.”

  King Maizen’s eyes widened with interest. “Fascinating. Your creations are indeed remarkable.”

  He leaned forward with his tone becoming more serious. “However, be aware that my Elite Guards will also be participating in the tournament. It doesn’t matter who emerges victorious as long as your mission succeeds. Keep that in mind.”

  He paused for a moment before continuing, “Given your assurance and the uniqueness of your entrants, I will grant you permission to proceed. Deliver on your promises, or the consequences will be severe.”

  Before leaving, Muiler G spoke up firmly. “Their technology is in question, sir and needs to be examined by our technological specialist. Any robotic lifeform, regardless of type must be checked to ensure they can be medically repaired and meet our safety standards.”

  King Maizen nodded. “Ah, yes, I nearly forgot about that. It’s a standard procedure for non-organic participants. Muiler G, please escort them to Princess Anitina.”

  Kintovar raised an eyebrow. “Your princess is a technological specialist?”

  King Maizen chuckled lightly. “Princess Anitina has a remarkable talent for technology. She ensures that all technological aspects of our kingdom are running smoothly and efficiently. You’ll find her expertise invaluable.”

  Kintovar nodded with one hand under her chin. “Very well, if it’s part of the process, we’ll comply.”

  Kintovar, along with Roselle, Risebelle and Runebelle, found themselves in a well-equipped laboratory. It was Princess Anitina's domain, where she conducted her work as a technology specialist.

  Princess Anitina was still dressed in her royal attire. She turned to the group and spoke, "I have to change into my work attire. Please wait here for a moment." With that, she gracefully exited the room to prepare for the upcoming safety and compatibility test.

  As Princess Anitina left the room to change, Muiler G entered, and Roselle exclaimed, "Look, its Elite Guard Muiler G!"

  Muiler G responded with a warm smile, "You can just call me Mui. It's what everyone knows me by. No need for formalities outside of the throne room." She then glanced at the group and added, "I heard one of you is named Roselle. It has to be you."

  Roselle nodded. "Yes, I'm Roselle.”

  Mui's eyes twinkled with interest. "I've heard quite a bit about you, Roselle. It's not every day we have someone with your talents visiting our kingdom. Do you intend to enter our practice tournament as well?” She placed one hand on Roselle’s shoulder.” I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do."

  Roselle blushed, feeling some excitement and nervousness. "Um...thank you, Mui... And a practice tournament? "

  Risebelle interrupted, "Wait, how do you know about Roselle?"

  Mui smiled and said, "The practice tournament is held every year before the Eastern Annual tournament to get our fighters prepared. It's not mandatory, but it's an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and get some experience before the main event. That's where your talents can shine, Roselle."

  Risebelle lowered her eyes and interjected, "Are you just gonna ignore me? Answer my question!"

  Mui's smile remained warm. “OH, I hear things. People talk and when someone as talented as Roselle is around, the rumors tend to spread. Don't worry; it's all good things they say about you."

  Risebelle raised an eyebrow. "Rumors, you say? But we haven't even had a chance to do anything noteworthy here in the West yet."

  Mui chuckled. "Well, sometimes, people are just good at recognizing potential when they see it, even before the big achievements happen. You can't fault them for being perceptive."

  Risebelle's suspicion lingered. She thought to herself, ‘Something is strange about this Mui woman. How did she really hear about Roselle?’

  Despite her doubts, Risebelle remained silent for the moment.

  Princess Anitina entered the lab with a scientist’s outfit and greeted the group with a warm smile. "I'm ready to begin the safety and compatibility test. Thank you for your patience."

  She then noticed Muiler G in the room and remarked, "Oh, Mui, you're here too. Is there anything I can help you with?"

  Mui shook her head. "No need to worry about me, Princess. I was just on my way out. I'll leave you all to your business."

  Mui exited the room."Alright," Princess Anitina said. "It's time to conduct the Safety and Compatibility test. Please, follow me." She gestured for Kintovar and her creations to accompany her to the testing area, where the evaluation would take place.