Second World

Everyone's alarm scaled down once they realized the apparition was just a recording.

"I implanted my spirit recording inside this artifact because I realize I won't be making it home, and so is this totem banner. I must admit I might have been too impulsive but I don't regret my decision. My brother, Thebalder, needed this artifact, and for a good reason. He needed it to close a demonic portal that will not only threaten his kingdom but our nation as well, and the whole world if it goes unchecked.

"I have been too wounded by an archdemon, but I managed to drive it back into the portal. However, this place is already sealed, and so is my fate... I'm using my remaining life force to implant this memory, which will be activated when this artifact returns to an orc's hand.

"I don't know how long it will be before that happens. I just know that there will be tensions between our two allying countries due to this incident. I place this memory to implore you, my orcish family, not to blame the humans. We should honor our ancestors' pact and remain as allies."

The apparition then dissolved into nothingness.

Everyone remained silent for a long while. Though surprised by the recording, the guards still maintained a ready pose. They were still waiting for Kabaka's order to apprehend Jack.

Kabaka didn't give the order. He instead asked Jack, "You said before that the Themisphere's fourth king desired to return this artifact. Our history said that Thebalder tricked our past grand chief's son to steal this artifact. After hearing what Mojuto's memory said, I would like to hear the whole story. Do you know the story?"

"I do," Jack answered. He was more than happy to oblige. The fact that he was not attacked yet after handing the totem banner was already a very good sign. Maybe Mojuto's memory had something to do with it. He silently offered thanks to the ancient orc.

Jack narrated what Thebalder had told him about how the incident happened. How Mojuto Raretooth willingly brought the totem banner to Themisphere, and later willingly gave his life to save Thebalder and sealed himself with the archdemon.

Jack told them everything including what he went through to get the totem banner except for the location of the demonic portal. The orcs listened without interrupting.

After Jack was done telling the tale. Another period of silence returned.

Kabaka spoke first, "You said that the demonic portal is not yet closed. You can take this totem banner out because the closing process only needs one legendary artifact. Are you saying you choose to take out this totem banner over your kingdom's national treasure?"

"I did," Jack answered.

"Grand chief, he could just be lying about everything," Jinga said.

Kabaka turned to him and said, "If you are referring to the demonic portal, you know he was not." Jack didn't understand what that meant, perhaps it was because Mojuto's apparition had confirmed the existence of the demonic portal? Whatever it was, it shut Jinga up.

"Why? Why not take the Boundless Cache instead?" Kabaka turned back to Jack and asked.

"Our countries have suffered too long for this misunderstanding. Further conflicts will just weaken both of us. I don't wish for this enmity to continue further. I hope that you feel the same. I wish for peace between our two great countries."

Jinga reacted to Jack's request, "Peace? The totem banner was kept in your kingdom for almost two hundred years. Our nation went through all those years in a state of vulnerability because of it. We have to fight against pirates and barbarian tribes without the aid of the totem banner. We lost soldiers where we shouldn't have. How do you account for those losses?"

"Account? Then how about we talked about your recent invasion and all the other battles Verremor forces had directed at us?" Jack shot back. "You entered our territory, destroying our towns and land. Many of our soldiers lost their lives in that war. How do you compensate for the casualties in this war your nation initiated?"

Jinga was about to talk back but Kabaka's glare stopped him.

Kabaka then said to Jack, "Our countries have been at odds for almost two centuries, it will not be easy to let go of our bad blood. We orcs are a warring race, but we are not mindless barbarians who make war for the sake of bloodlust. We also honored peace, especially against honorable parties. You have proven yourself as one with such honor. You put yourself at the risk of being captured to give our two countries the first step toward peace. That alone is an honorable act deserving our respect."

Kabaka made a gesture of slight bow after his words. The other orcs immediately followed suit. Jack returned the gesture with the same slight bow.

"Thank you, grand chief. I sincerely hope we can start to rebuild the trust and alliance that were forged by the ancestors of our two countries," Jack said.

"Rebuilding the alliance is too large a step," Kabaka replied. "As I said, it will not be easy for our people to let go of their bad blood. It will need time. But you can rest assured that your kingdom no longer needs to fear aggression from our side, this I can promise you. In the coming days, I will also discuss with my people about opening our border to the human race. We will see where our two countries go from there. I hope you do the same on your side."

"That will be my priority once I return to Thereath. Thank you, honorable grand chief," Jack said sincerely. At the same time, he heard a notification, "Congratulations on completing the quest, Repair the relationship between Themisphere and Verremor. Receive rewards of 5,000,000 exp, 50 gold coins, 1,000 mana cores, and 200,000 merit points."

His sovereign level increased to level 5 after the notification, receiving 10 ruling power. From sovereign level 5 to level 6 required 250,000 merit points. He was only lacking 52,196 merit points for that. Once he reached level 6, he could add another royal agent.

"Themisphere's throne had changed kings many times. It was only half a month since an outworlder sat on the throne, and the political relationship between our two countries had faced a potential change, in a good way," Kabaka praised Jack. He then looked at Four Winds and said, "This gives me the confidence that our newly inaugurated outworlder chief will perform well too."

"I will do my best to not let you down, grand chief," Four Winds responded.

Kabaka smiled and turned back to Jack, "King Storm Wind, now that we have everything cleared up. It is only right that we welcome you as a proper dignitary. Please come with us to the city hall. We will arrange a feast there."

"It will be my pleasure, honorable grand chief," Jack said. Although he very much liked to leave now after achieving his objective, socializing with a potential ally was also a king's duty.

"Chief Four Winds, you come too," Kabaka said. "The city hall will be where you spend your days ruling this city and its region. You should start getting used to the place."

"Thank you, grand chief," Four Winds said.

Umeza came to Jack and said, "Perhaps we can have our tea now?"

Jack laughed merrily at the old orc's words. Sometimes fate was indeed unexpected.

Woga Braidedbeard sighed on the side. He muttered, "If only Abasi was still here. His tribe has carried the taint of losing the totem banner for so long. The return of the banner and Mojuto's memory will have restored their tribe's honor. Where did they all go?"