The Absolute: Humanity's Second Chance

"We've entered an unprecedented Era of the unknown. And if your daughter were to be besides me, I can at least promise you information about what's going on and what's going to happen."

"And if possible, Vermillion King, I don't mind giving you information about this world itself." Damien said, also taking on a stern expression.

"I see... Is your information credible?" He asked, but knowing the Gray House, he knew how far their influence spread out. And how powerful they were.

"A hundred percent credible."

"Alright then. Thats a done deal. But..." Gregory smiled, and Fiona became nervous. She wasn't sure what her father would demand. And whether Damien would agree.

"..."

But Damien did not have a change of expression, and only waited for him to speak. And to speak he did. "But, we would also like an ambassador this side. One as important as my daughter."

He said with utmost resolve. After all, the risk of leaving his daughter within a foreign land was too much, and unbearable for a king, let alone for a father.

"...I cannot give you any of the Shade princes or princesses, they mean nothing to me. My seniors from the Gray House would be hard to handle as well. So just state your demands, Vermillion King." Damien said.

"..."

And Gregory only stared at him. They stared at one another in silence, with extremely serious expression. Well one was stern, and the other was just unbothered.

Until a few minutes later when Gregory sighed in defeat. "There's nothing I can think of. Plus, nothing of monetary value can ever be comparable to the life of my daughter."

He said, and Fiona felt those words melt her heart. 'Father...'

Damien nodded, "I understand. So, how about this?" He said, then stood up, causing the two behind Gregory to slightly tense up. But he ignored them.

"I swear upon my last name and my father's pride that, one, I will protect princess Fiona as best as I can. I will teach her all that is necessary for her, and if possible, even make her a god."

"And two, as a sign of peace from the Gray House, I am willing to bestow this as a token of our partnership." He waved his hand, and a single drop of Pure Reified Divine power appeared.

BOOOM~!!!

And as usual, it's appearance kicked up a powerful storm that almost tore the entire castle down. Even the two master professions behind Gregory were forced back.

"Your highness..!!"

"King..!!"

They cried out, but were unable to fight against the force. Even Fiona failed to struggle, but was luckylily protected by Damien's vast Mana, that encased in a thin layer of Mana skin. And so was Gregory.

"This... This is..." Gregory marveled at the pressure and power he felt. And as Damien stood below the droplet of Pure Reified Divine power, his bearing came out as godly.

His silver-platinum blonde hair danced regally within the air, and his blue eyes stared down apathetically at him, like two raging blue suns. "I bestow upon you the power desired by even the gods. A power of supremacy."

He waved his hand, and the droplet flew out of the castle at light speed towards the volcano.

The light and pressure from it made it visible throughout the whole Stronghold. And as the people of Romania watched, they saw it fly directly into the volcano, and peace temporarily returned.

"What was that?"

"I don't know. But it came from the castle, at the Land of Vermillion."

"Is the King planning something?"

"Beats me. But I have a feeling this, won't be a very light topic in the future."

"Agreed."

People throughout the streets, of the various Lands discussed, and just as the last one thought, this was just the calm before the storm.

"You..!! What did you do?!" Achiles pulled out his sword and pointed it at Damien, demanding an explanation in rage and frustration.

Rage at being humiliated like that, and frustration of not knowing what would happen. Even Aeneas was angry, but more collected. He stood protectively before Gregory.

"Nothing, really. I just gave you all a natural landscape even the gods would envy. Soon, the fire particles within this region will explosively increase, and since most of you rely on it, you will experience higher rate of growth."

Damien said lightly, taking back his seat. And as he spoke, everyone could already feel the heat within their soroundings climb up, and their blood boiling in excitement and desire.

He then added, "In due time, you could have proficiency with fire even higher than those of devils bred in Hell."

"...And what makes you think we will believe you?" Achilles grit his teeth and asked, Damien casually responding. "You don't have to. And you can attack if so desire."

"With pleasure..!!" Achilles said, and prepared himself to risk it all, even if it night result in his death.

"Don't." But Gregory said, stopping Achilles from rashly getting them killed. He was still awed by Damien's godly bearing of a moment ago. "But, young master Gray, what if we still disagree after all of this?"

"That's all on you." Damien said, "I've come in peace, but that doesn't mean I'm afraid to come in war... It's said you're smart, Vermillion King, and I hope that's not just a rumor."

"Why you..!!" Achilles grit his teeth in more anger, veins pulsing on his head. But Fiona hurriedly stopped him. "Sir Achilles please calm down."

"...I knew it." Gregory then said, and chuckled lightly. He knew that at the end of the day, kindness had a motive behind it. Especially from powerful people.

And the Gray House was not an exception. He then asked his daughter, "Fiona, what do you think? Young master Gray demands your presence, what is your response?"

"Please be as honest as you can with me, my child. I'll respect your choice, even if it means this lounge will be my death bed." He said, Achilles and Aeneas tensing up.

They also held their breathes, waiting for Fiona's words. Damien was also quiet, his expression at calm and serenity.

"I... I..." Meanwhile, Fiona felt unbearable pressure on her shoulders. Pressure that was as heavy as carrying a ton of weight on her back.

She clenched her dress in her fist, and her breathe slowly hastened. Her choice could be the deciding factor of her father's life and death, and such a responsibility was too harsh for a fifteen year old girl.

But on the other side, she believed, or desperately hoped that Damien wasn't who the rumors claimed him to be. She hoped he was who he presented himself as to her.

And thus, she took a deep breathe, still nervous, and thought about it. Why did she want to become an ambassador of the Shade Stronghold?

'To become a King candidate, obtain resources, become stronger, then protect my people. Yet I cannot say that to father. But he doesn't have to know, does he..?'

"Take your time, dear." Gregory said, a smile on his face. He was not bothered about dying at all.

"I agree, father." And that was enough for Fiona to resolve herself and took the risk. "I want to go and gain experience with lord Damien, learn about the world and mature into an experienced queen."

"Is that so? Are you sure that is something you, yourself, desire, my dear?"

"Yes. I am not being forced father, please believe me with that."

"I do, I genuinely do. If you agree, then I will support you as your father, and hope that young master Gray here, keeps the end of his bargain."

Damien intervened, "I shall."

"That's splendid then. Now, this is out of context, but why 'lord Damien'? Just curious, just curious." Gregory shrugged his shoulders, and Fiona blushed in embarrassment.

Her father made it seem extremely improper. Which promoted her to hurriedly reply, "It's because... it's because... it's because..."

But the more she tried to reason, the more she blushed in embarrassment. 'I cannot say because he is above us King candidates can I..?'

"Well, I understand. You're a grown up at this point." Gregory said with a nod of understanding. "No, father!! You don't understand, it's nothing like that!!"

"Don't be embarrassed now. I said I understand okay." But he did not want to listen, and then changed the topic. "By the way, young master Gray, what was that thing you summoned?"

"A rare treasure of the divine. Don't stress yourselves over it your highness, and treat it as our token of partnership. We look forward working with you, king of Romania."

Damien responded as such, and stretched out his hand. Gregory took ahold if it and shook it with his usual smile. "Pleasure is ours, young master Gray."