CHAPTER 278: REQUEST

"Lord Adyr, this humble king greets you." King Vale Von Velaris bowed as much as his aged back would allow, one hand clenched over his chest, while all the lords behind him mirrored the gesture, inclining in synchronized respect.

Adyr’s expression softened slightly at the sight, a subtle, reassuring smile brushing his features. Yet even in that ease, his very presence radiated an immortal aura, as if a being beyond mortality had just set foot among mortals.

As he observed the king, the lords, and the citizens, he could discern the subtle nuances in their behavior. Their respect and affection for him had always been considerable, but now, clearly, those feelings had deepened—elevated to a level that shifted the way he was regarded entirely.

He was not the only one analyzing the scene with meticulous focus. Veyla Arden studied every detail, her mind already assembling the pieces of a shocking realization.

She recalled the events from the large council meeting where all twelve City Managers had been present.

One question from that meeting still echoed in her mind: "Do you intend to build a kingdom?"

And the casual, almost dismissive response he had given, as if brushing off a trivial remark: "Kingdom?"

Now, the scene replayed vividly in her mind, more dominant than ever—the same young man, exuding the same unwavering confidence, standing before the most powerful figures on Earth, declaring with quiet authority: "I’m planning to build an empire."

At that moment, those words had stirred something in Veyla’s blood—a glimmer of hope, the belief that humanity could step into a greater era in a larger, more magnificent world. That had been all she felt: hope, and a desire to believe.

But now, witnessing that same young man standing casually amidst the crowd, with the entire Velari race and even their king bowing in complete submission, she understood fully.

He had already become a ruler.

Her chest swelled with pride, her chin lifting instinctively, blood coursing with exhilaration.

One fact was now undeniable: when Adyr had spoken those words at the meeting, he was not outlining future plans—he was stating what had already been set in motion.

It was unmistakably clear to her now: while the world marveled at his achievements and placed high expectations upon him, he had long since surpassed them, already commanding the authority of an entire kingdom.

"I’m completely relieved to see you all well and full of energy." Adyr’s voice carried warmth, kindness, and an unshakable depth, embedding itself in every ear that listened.

The king and the lords felt a tremor through their bodies, emotions long restrained threatening to spill from their chests.

"It’s all thanks to you, Lord Adyr." King Vale’s voice wavered, his composure nearly cracking, but he drew a deep breath, steadying himself to preserve the image of the king before his people. "On behalf of myself and all my people, please forgive our selfishness and accept our gratitude." With those words, he bent his knees and lowered himself to the ground—a gesture Adyr had not expected, yet one he understood instantly.

In the Astra path, and particularly among the Velari, kneeling was virtually unheard of; they believed in reciprocating only what one received.

Yet in that moment, the entire kingdom, from the king to the citizens, faced a circumstance their culture could not accommodate.

The Collossith crisis had threatened the kingdom—and even the entire Velari race—claiming countless lives of loyal, powerful Practitioners over the years. Even Liora Virell, their strongest Practitioner, had been powerless against it.

Then Adyr had appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, resolving the nightmare completely, at its root, without expecting anything in return.

It became immediately clear to them that such an act of magnitude and benevolence could never be repaid, not by those living now, nor by generations to come.

This realization guided the king’s decision: when one receives kindness that can never be repaid, the only suitable response is to show it, even through a gesture traditionally reserved for God Astrael himself.

And so, in that moment, their reverence and devotion to Astrael—the deity who granted them life—found a mirror in their respect for Adyr, who had, in his own way, granted them life anew.

To kneel before him, then, was neither strange nor inappropriate; it was recognition of a force that had saved them and a gesture of gratitude that transcended culture and custom.

As every citizen and noble bent their knees, lowering their heads to the ground in a profound, heavy silence, Veyla and Isolde could only watch, transfixed, their voices absent, their minds processing the scene.

Among the researchers on Earth, there had always been a single, persistent curiosity that haunted them since the launch of the game: Adyr’s daily life in this world.

How could he acquire so much power so quickly? How had he surpassed all his peers, rising unchallenged to become the most formidable Player by far? How was he always the one delivering the most valuable intelligence while others still struggled merely to survive?

Adyr had never revealed the details of his life here in his reports, sharing only the knowledge he deemed necessary.

But now, witnessing even a glimpse of his daily existence, they felt an unexpected sense of reassurance. The scene before them wasn’t just informative—it was a story, one they would return to Earth eager to recount to their fellow researchers.

Veyla thought silently, this is undoubtedly something every one of them needs to know. Already forming the narrative in her mind, she felt a surge of anticipation at the thought of sharing it upon her return.

"King Vale, please rise." Adyr stepped forward and gently helped the king to his feet. "I merely did what my power allowed me."

His words carried humility, yet his expression remained kind, radiating a warmth that softened every heart present.

King Vale’s gaze lingered on Adyr, and for the first time, the faint quiver of his lips betrayed the emotion of an aging man on the verge of showing his true feelings.

Enough drama. They’re wasting my time. Adyr thought silently, stepping in before the king could speak. "King Vale... these are my friends from outside the kingdom." He interrupted with precise calm, shortening the introduction without unnecessary detail.

"Oh." The single word seemed to reset the king completely, his composure returning as if he had only just noticed the presence of the new visitors.

"I am Vale Von Velaris, King of the Velari. I welcome you to our kingdom, esteemed guests." His bow was slightly deeper than customary for a king, each word chosen deliberately, carrying a weight of sincere respect toward those he addressed.

"It is my honor to meet you, King Vale. I am Veyla Arden, and this is my sister, Isolde Arden." Veyla stepped forward, mimicking the nobles’ formal posture, and inclined at the waist in a graceful, respectful bow.

Adyr’s gaze flicked briefly to them, observing each movement. Their gestures, though not flawless, aligned perfectly with the customs and the solemnity of the moment.

Veyla’s pronunciation of Latin, fluid though imperfect, especially pleased him; her effort carried clarity and confidence despite minor slips.

Ever since Adyr had uncovered the Latin language and submitted his detailed report to the linguistics department, their work had gone beyond mere translation and archiving.

The department’s true goal had been to systematize the language for rapid mastery, ensuring that anyone operating in this world—now or in the future—could learn it efficiently.

As one of the department heads, Veyla had already begun learning the language. Her vocabulary and pronunciation were not yet perfect, but she had progressed to a level that could be overlooked, enough to speak with fluidity and grace, capable of honoring the customs of the Velari in every gesture.

After the introductions, King Vale opened his mouth again, clearly preparing for a long, eloquent, and perhaps unnecessarily sentimental speech. Adyr cut him off before a single word could leave his lips. "King Vale, I have a small request of you."

"Lord Adyr, please, speak freely. Anything..." King Vale began, but Adyr again interrupted smoothly.

"These friends of mine," he said, glancing at Veyla and Isolde, "have been fortunate enough to find their way to your kingdom at a perfect time. They are highly skilled and professional in mining, and there is a site I specifically wish to have excavated.

You might have guessed it: with the Collossith gone, a natural crystal vein may have formed in the area it once occupied. If you permit it, I would like your assistance—along with my friends’ expertise—to excavate the region and uncover whatever lies beneath."

Adyr spoke swiftly, assuming that King Vale was already familiar with the general knowledge of how Sparks influence the areas they inhabit and the emergence of energy crystals.

As he had hoped, the response came immediately. "Of course. Not only I, but I am certain anyone in this kingdom would be eager to assist you and your friends wholeheartedly. Simply tell me what you need, and I will ensure that all capable and talented volunteers are made available to help."

"I’m very grateful," Adyr nodded with sincerity.

With that, the first step of his plan was set in motion, beginning the excavation of the energy crystal deposits, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, hidden beneath the land.