In the aftermath of their heated discussion, tensions simmered within the war room. The air crackled with a sense of urgency and impending conflict. Derein, the queen, leaned against the massive wooden table, her expression resolute. She glanced around at her advisors, her eyes locking with each one in turn. They all knew that their decision today could shape the destiny of their kingdom.
"That guy commands those Ogre monsters, and they are slaughtering these zombies like ants. Our soldiers were struggling against the zombies moments ago. Have you considered what might happen if he decides to turn against us?" Derein's voice echoed through the room.
All eyes were fixed on Anon, the enigmatic figure who held such power over the monstrous Ogres. The room fell into a heavy silence as Derein's warning struck a nerve, the gravity of the situation settling upon them like a suffocating fog.
"She's right, I believe," King Grok added his agreement, his deep voice resonating through the room.
"Hmm, it's one of the possibilities. I can't say for sure," King Grad weighed in, his regal countenance masking his uncertainty.
"I think I'll trust my queen's judgment," Derein's Knight Commander spoke, pledging his loyalty.
"Me too. I believe we should eliminate him," the leader of the House of Alchemists chimed in, her keen mind assessing the situation.
"Me too."
"We will help as well," others in the room joined the chorus, aligning with Derein's decision to kill Anon.
In just ten minutes, the entire room had come to a unanimous decision to eliminate Anon. The atmosphere was charged with adrenaline and the anticipation of a dangerous undertaking.
Amidst the fervent agreement, a dissenting voice stood strong. Frank, a distinguished and cunning figure, remained seated at the far end of the table, seemingly unaffected by the overwhelming consensus. He was known for his shrewdness and pragmatism, a man who played the political game with a calculated hand.
"Frank, you're the only one left. Are you with us or against us?" Queen Derein inquired, her emerald eyes scrutinizing him.
"Well, count me and my house out. I don't want to die so young," Frank chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the gravity of the situation.
"What nonsense? He's just one, and we are many. Why are you still taking his side?" Marinda, the leader of the witch house, expressed her disbelief.
Frank leaned back in his chair, his dark eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and determination. "That's my decision," he maintained.
His defiance provoked the ire of some in the room, but Derein held up her hand, silencing them. "Put your swords down," she commanded, her regal authority demanding obedience.
The men hesitated, their hands gripping the hilts of their swords. But when Derein spoke again, her voice like a steel blade, they relented and withdrew their weapons. Frank's unwavering stance had won him a temporary reprieve.
"Why? Why do you believe in him so much? Can he save you from all these men here?" Derein inquired, her eyes sharp as she sought to break Frank's faith in Anon.
Frank's gaze met hers, his voice unwavering. "He can," he answered confidently, refusing to falter.
"He can't, Frank. He alone can't stand against so many soldiers. He needs those ogres to do his bidding. He may have one or two tricks, but he can't save you against my army," Derein tried to reason, her tactics in full display.
But Frank's belief in Anon ran deep, rooted in a profound understanding of the young man's abilities. "No, you won't understand. Okay, I can do this. I won't tell him anything about your plan, and you won't involve me in all of this. I'll remain neutral. Is that good?" Frank proposed, seeking a middle ground.
Derein considered his offer, weighing the risk of losing an ally who held valuable information. "Accepted, but if you tell him anything, death will be the last thing you need to worry about," she warned with a steely glare.
"Don't worry, he doesn't need my help to survive an ambush," Frank assured, leaving the tent with an enigmatic smile.
As Frank exited the war room, he couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Idiots. Why would they want to eliminate someone who just saved their asses and someone who can kill them without blinking?"
Meanwhile, in the heart of the Nightmare Forest, a separate battle was unfolding. An ominous laboratory hummed with dark energy as its mastermind, a blonde-haired man, reveled in his plan's failure. But rather than despair, his countenance bore a twisted grin.
"Well, since my plan has already failed because of this Anon guy, why not punish him for his interference," the blonde-haired man mused, his voice laced with malice. His hand hovered over the control panel, his fingers poised to unleash chaos upon his enemies.
Before he could act, a chilling voice interrupted him, "Or die here by my hands."
The man whirled around, his eyes widening in shock as he beheld the figure standing behind him—a fearsome warrior named Mike, whose loyalty to his master was unwavering.
"What the... How did you get here? No, how did you even find me?" the man stammered, fear creeping into his voice.
"My master has ordered me to keep you alive as long as you cooperate with me. The choice is yours. Press down that lever or live," Mike spoke with a chilling calm.
"I choose both," the man declared, his grip on the lever tightening.
"Okay." In a flash, Mike vanished and reappeared behind the man. But before he could strike, the man disappeared, reappearing where Mike had stood.
"Oh, nice skills," the blonde man taunted, his smile never faltering.
But Mike wasn't so easily deterred. He dashed toward the man with deadly intent, but once again, the man vanished, transforming into a cloud of white smoke that dissipated into the air.
"This motherfucker," Mike cursed, failing his master's task and knowing that he would face the consequences.
Meanwhile, back in the underground city, Sephie noticed something peculiar amidst the chaos of the zombies. Amongst seven trees, only six spawned zombies. The seventh tree, larger than the others, stood silent, an eerie stillness about it.
Investigating further, she dispatched Mike to explore the enigmatic tree. As Mike approached, he noticed a hidden hole in the trunk, carefully concealed by sticks and leaves. Curiosity piqued, he followed the trail, leading him to the mastermind behind the ominous laboratory.
However, just as he was about to apprehend him, the man vanished without a trace, leaving Mike seething with frustration.
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