Zorvan was in the golden room to consult with his family mentor, Koka-Vikoka. Zorvan didn't know for how many years Koka-Vikoka guided the Ahuras. He even doubted if his father knew the answer.
"They will soon reach the Boduin," Vikoka said.
"Soon the play will begin," Zorvan smirked.
"For you, that is a great play. For us, that is just a part of our plan to make a greater play," Vikoka said. He was playing Zhondousi with mechanic arms. Koka was eating apples. He even didn't care what they were talking about.
"What greater play?" President asked.
A sound of laughter came from the robotic head. Zorvan confused. What is the funny thing here?
"Do you know Zhondousi? Noob players say it's a pieces' game. When a piece is killed three times, it has three options. One is to be dead permanently, the second is to join the killer player, and the third is to join one of two other players. The original player of the piece needs to take a card from three orange cards. No one knows what will come. If it's to join the killer or other players, it's often considered a betrayal by the piece to its player.
"Although, the player whom the piece wants to join needs to choose a card from three purple cards. One is not to include the piece and kill it, the second one is to include it, and the last one is to send it to the next player excluding its original player. The player can choose whatever they want."
"Why are you telling me things which I already know? It's just a game," Zorvan Ahura said.
"It is not about the game. In Zhondousi, even pieces are not loyal to their players. In reality, no one is loyal to you. All the great houses praising Ahuras are nothing but opportunists. They respect you and obey you because you possess a vital position, the President. They just want strong allies. So we need to be ready beforehand for anything.
"Only for the master players, Zhondousi is a masters' game. Master players just manipulate each piece, even the opponents' pieces. Every plan, in the end, makes a greater play."
"Whom is Raevour Svikin loyal to? He is an officer of Huijins."
Vikoka laughed. "He is standing on two different boats. He is a perfect opportunist."
Koka growled; the apples were finished. He wanted more of these sweet fruits. Zorvan quickly got up and went outside to follow the almighty's order.
A few moments later, he brought two large bowls of sliced apples. He gave them to Koka. Then he sat before him to continue listening to Vikoka.
"So what are you saying? He is on two boats?"
"He is only loyal to himself neither you nor Huijins," Vikoka said.
"Then why are going with his plan? Would not trusting him lead us to face terrible consequences?" Zorvan rumbled.
Koka looked at him with rageful eyes. "How dare you? Is this how you treat your gods?"
A terrible mistake. Zorvan kneeled, apologising for his action. "Pa… pardon me Uu… Uam Koka, Uam Vikoka. I… I am just a stupid man."
His eyes filled with fear. He was afraid, it would be his last breath. His whole body was yelling for another chance. Please.
Koka did nothing. He calmed down like it was nothing. Zorvan released a long breath. Second life.
"Everything is a part of my plan," Vikoka said. "Common people are predictable."
"Uu… Uam Vikoka. If you don't mind, may I ask you a qu… question?" Zorvan asked with his trembling voice.
"You can ask me anything you want. I am not Koka."
"Why are you interested in Bharatas? Yes, I know they are different. They are neither an elite house nor a great house as they never lived on Emerald. Quite different than others. Though why? Especially the younger one… eh, what is his name, um?"
"Rov Bharata."
"Yes, yes… Rov. So, why, uh?"
Vikoka started to laugh. For long. Zorvan didn't understand. Again what is the funny thing about this?
"Do you know when Ahuras came to power?"
"Yes, of course. It was our great ancestor, Horus Ahura who won the presidential election collecting a hundred percent of the votes."
"Hundred percent? Quite exaggerating. Anyways, Horus forbade pursuing a powerful skill or knowledge during his time. That skill was called Nawvara. Did you know this?"
Zorvan got confused. From where did Vikoka know about this? Zorvan, being himself an Ahura, didn't know this.
"No," he answered. "I never knew about this. Even I've read all the history books and journals about my family, but never found anything like Nawvara."
"Because he not only forbade this but also wiped out its sign from everywhere. From history to architects, from books to people."
Zorvan's eyes widened.
Vikoka continued, "But deep down, he wanted to replicate that skill. Who could abandon such a great weapon? He did much research and many experiments. But Nawvara is a skill that cannot be copied. But he continued. And I am still continuing his work through you. Zorvan Ahura, you will be the one who successfully completes Horus' wish. You should be proud that you will be the best of all your ancestors."
Zorvan felt proud indeed, but a question arose in his mind. "Did you meet him… Horus Ahura?"
Vikoka amused. "Yes, Koka and I met him before he became the President."
"So, you are with us from the very beginning," he exclaimed. He finally got the answer he was seeking. Finally. "Don't tell me you are about a thousand years old."
Zorvan laid before him with respect. Koka and Vikoka giggled.
"With this much age, I gained a vital thing, experience. Now, nothing wonders me anymore."
"And with this experience, we can win any war," Zorvan proclaimed.
"War?" Vikoka marked. "There is no pride in fighting war."
But Zorvan noticed a change in Vikoka's voice. It was softer, full of admiration. Zorvan never thought he would get to hear a different type of voice from their all-knowing.
"Do you know how to win a war without war?" Vikoka said. "Because the first president of the universe, Gaowang Zhanshi knew this. That's why she won the first election with a hundred percent of the votes. She also invented one thing, Zhondousi."