Paragon

Remnants of the Great War [12]

PARAGON

Remnants of the Great War Arc [12]

Chapter 21 : Royal Edict

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"Everything has gone according to plan, your Grace. We're on track to carry out your revenge exactly as your Grace has envisioned it."

AZ nodded slowly. Before him, men in metal masks operated on the mechanical power vessels that powered the ultimate weapon as outlined by his designs. The sparks that flew from their tools lit up the chamber in flashes of blue and orange. "Good. When the weapon is finished, we will march on our target with all our forces in tow."

"If you don't mind me asking, your Grace, is there a reason we attacked so many bases? Everything we stole is little more than clutter here. I could have provided your Grace with anything we need, and at a much higher quality." He glanced over at the stacks of crates that lined the sides of the room.

AZ crossed his arms. "Do you think so little of me, Lord Vandrick? I did not send your men to attack those vaults because I desire treasure or rare gems or pokémon. The other raids were nothing more than a ruse. The true prize was the one we stole." His hand reached up and closed around the key on his chest. "None of our enemies know of this key's importance. Continue the raids as planned. The more time they spend chasing ghosts, the more time we have to plan our war."

"I see." Vandrick fingered his cape.

"And yet I sense you have more to say, Lord Vandrick."

"Forgive my impertinence, your Grace. But I do believe our enemies will have noted your Grace's appearance during the attack in Sinnoh. Surely this ruse will confuse them no longer?"

"Confusion is not the goal. Chaos is. So long as we continue to make inexplicable moves, our enemies will have no time to deal with us personally. We're in the eye of the storm now."

Vandrick nodded, his concerns assuaged. "I understand now. That makes perfect sense, your Grace."

"More importantly, do you have the man I requested ready, Lord Vandrick?"

"I do, your Grace. Among all the trainers I and my men have cultivated over the years, he is by far the most promising. A fitting choice for the duty your Grace described." He beckoned with his gloved hand. "Come here, Caleb," he called.

A young man near the weapon with sandy brown hair stood from the crouch he was in and sauntered over to the two esteemed men. A jilted grin sat on his face. "Yo, Master, kept me waiting long enough." His gaze traveled up AZ's towering form. "Holy shit, who's this tall fuck? If he's giving you any trouble Master, just say the word and I'll take care of his old ass real quick." His hand brushed the many pokéballs on his belt.

Lord Vandrick shivered, a shadow blanketed over his eyes. AZ cast a glance in his direction.

"Caleb, I believe I once told you that I was waiting for a certain man," Vandrick said in a low voice. "This is my master, and he is that man. Please treat him with as much respect as you show me, if not more."

Caleb's mouth opened and the color seemed to drain from his face. "O-Oh. My mistake, sir. So sorry. I-I just never expected you of all people to..."

"That's quite enough. Perhaps a proper introduction to salvage what's left of this impression."

Caleb opened his mouth and closed it several times, before quickly turning to AZ and bowing. "Please forget everything you just heard, sir! My name is Caleb, as my esteemed Master said! Anything you need, I'm your guy!" After a few seconds, he peeked up from his bow to check their reactions.