The royal palace of Aetheria was buzzing with activity as nobles from across the kingdom gathered for an important occasion. The grand dining hall was filled with the finest of the kingdom's elite, their eyes focused on the high table where Queen Alira, alongside her children—Princess Seria, Princess Kaelin, and Prince Rael—sat at the center. At the far end of the hall, Grandmaster Renzan, seated with a casual demeanor, sipped his tea, enjoying the attention and the fine spread of food before him. It was clear that the day would be anything but ordinary.
Queen Alira stood, her calm yet authoritative presence demanding attention. She raised a glass of wine and smiled. "Esteemed nobles, I welcome you all to this gathering. Today, we have the honor of meeting the legendary Grandmaster Renzan, who has agreed to lend his skills in training my children, to ensure that Aetheria continues to flourish."
The nobles exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves. This was not an ordinary invitation—Grandmaster Renzan was one of the most feared figures in the land, known for his ruthless training methods and unmatched power.
Duke Brenjenxen, a stout man with a well-maintained beard, stood up, his tone filled with respect. "Your Majesty, we are honored by Grandmaster Renzan's presence. We are certain that with his guidance, Aetheria's future will be secure. His reputation precedes him."
The other three noble heads followed suit, each eager to be part of this prestigious event:
Count Varlis: A tall, wiry man with a sharp face, known for his financial expertise.
Baron Seleno: A younger noble with fiery red hair and a sharp wit, he was well-regarded for his military strategy.
Viscount Laron: A quiet, older nobleman, known for his vast lands and intricate knowledge of the kingdom's history and law.
Each of them bowed respectfully, hoping to win favor with the Grandmaster, but also casting sidelong glances at one another, clearly vying for their own influence.
Princess Seria, the older of Queen Alira's two daughters, nodded in agreement. "Grandmaster, we are ready to begin our training. We will do whatever it takes to live up to your expectations."
Princess Kaelin, more carefree and playful than her sister, added with a smirk, "If we survive, that is."
The nobles laughed at her comment, but their laughter was tempered by the fear they had of Renzan's methods. Training under him was known to be grueling, and many had questioned if anyone truly survived.
Renzan, amused by the reaction, leaned forward. "I am not interested in delicate flowers who crumble at the slightest pressure. I will train them to endure the worst. And I will not go easy on them." His gaze shifted to Queen Alira, whose calm demeanor remained unchanged.
"Of course," Queen Alira replied with poise. "I trust you, Grandmaster, to guide them on the path to strength. But I must ask, what do you seek in return for your services?"
The room fell silent. Every noble present knew that nothing came for free, especially not from someone of Renzan's stature.
Renzan set his cup down with a soft clink. "There is one thing I ask for in exchange for my training: a license to Mount Baka."
The nobles exchanged confused glances. The mention of Mount Baka was met with curiosity and some trepidation. Everyone had heard of the mountain's strange occurrences, but few knew what lay within. The legend of Mount Baka had spread far and wide, but no one had ever dared to claim it—or even get close to it.
Queen Alira raised an eyebrow but maintained her composure. "A license to Mount Baka? Why would you want access to that mountain?"
Renzan smiled, but it was a sly, calculating expression. "There are... things at Mount Baka that need to be observed. I believe it would be prudent for someone of my expertise to keep a close eye on the mountain. The future of Aetheria may depend on it."
Fengye, though not present in the hall, was undoubtedly at Mount Baka at that very moment, surveying the changes. He had been busy inspecting the fields and planning the next phase of development for the mountain. The sudden thought that Renzan might have some deeper interest in Mount Baka made Fengye smirk. He had long suspected that the mountain held more secrets than anyone realized.
Back in the royal hall, Queen Alira took a moment to consider Renzan's request. Her eyes narrowed slightly. She had been cautious about allowing anyone too much power over the mountain, given its strange properties and Fengye's unexplainable involvement with it. But she also knew that Renzan's influence would benefit her children's training and strengthen Aetheria.
"I understand your request, Grandmaster," she said at last, her voice steady. "I will grant you the license to Mount Baka, but only on the condition that it benefits Aetheria's future. If you believe that it will help my children and ensure the kingdom's security, then I agree."
The nobles, having been on edge throughout the discussion, let out collective sighs of relief. Duke Brenjenxen quickly stepped forward, eager to speak his mind. "Your Majesty, surely this is a wise decision. With Grandmaster Renzan's training and his influence over the mountain, Aetheria will rise to even greater prominence. This can only strengthen the kingdom's position."
Renzan's smile deepened. "Thank you, Queen Alira. I assure you, I will not waste this opportunity."
The room filled with polite applause, though some nobles still cast wary glances at one another. It was clear that Renzan had succeeded in securing his request, but there was still uncertainty about what his true intentions were.
Renzan stood, his long cloak flowing behind him as he made his way to Queen Alira. He bowed slightly, though it was not a deep one. "I will begin the training of your children immediately. But remember, Mount Baka will be watched. I trust that this will be beneficial for everyone."
With that, the gathering began to break up, the nobles exchanging looks and conversations as they filed out of the room. Queen Alira, her gaze still fixed on Renzan, remained seated at the head of the table, contemplative.
---
Meanwhile, at Mount Baka, Fengye was hard at work. He paced the fields, inspecting the crops that were growing faster than he had anticipated. It seemed that the mountain itself was responding to the changes he had initiated. The weather was now more favorable, and the soil was richer. Fengye had no idea how, but he was beginning to suspect that the mountain had a will of its own.
As he walked, he noticed a faint, flickering light in the distance. He was about to investigate when the system notification popped up before him:
"Success! License to Mount Baka acquired. Baka Points awarded: +500."
Fengye grinned. "Well, that was easier than I thought," he muttered, still looking at the notification. "Grandmaster Renzan really knows how to get what he wants."
The system, in its usual dry manner, offered a follow-up message:
"New quest unlocked: Secure Mount Baka's influence. Reward: Increased Baka Points."
"Looks like I've got a new job on my hands," Fengye said to himself with a chuckle.
His thoughts were interrupted when Loki, who had been observing from a distance, approached with his usual smirk. "So, I see the Grandmaster's made himself at home."
Fengye sighed, adjusting his stance. "Yeah, apparently. He wants the license to Mount Baka. Can you believe it?"
Loki's grin widened. "Well, he does have a knack for getting what he wants. But don't worry, I'm sure the mountain will still be yours. The Grandmaster might be powerful, but even he can't just take it from you."
Fengye raised an eyebrow. "You think so?"
"Oh, definitely. He's a fool, but a useful one. And besides," Loki added with a wink, "now you've got a knife. So you're unstoppable."
Fengye laughed, shaking his head. "A knife. Perfect for dealing with all the royal brats who might come poking around."
Loki's chuckle echoed as the two looked out over the developing fields, ready to face whatever came next, with the Baka Points still increasing in the background.