Dimensional Descent

Leonel watched as the four were escorted away.

He felt better than he thought he would. Being able to resolve things with his words again rather than his fists left him feeling light.

Well, technically he still relied on strength this time around. If it wasn't for his vastly improved method of using Camelot's Mage Art magic system, it would have been impossible for him to hide so much movement from them all, this was especially considering Laeron's perfect recall ability. If there was even a single blade of grass out of place, he likely would have been seen through.

Still, Leonel was happy. He didn't have anything to complain about. He could only hope that the negotiations The Empire went as smoothly.

Unfortunately, Leonel could only be hopeful about this. The power imbalance between The Empire and them, even if Camelot and the Demon Empire came together, was too large. He obviously couldn't use bully tactics as he had just done if this was the case.

"Are you sure we'll be able to hold him?"

A sudden voice cut into Leonel's thoughts. When he looked over, he found Lancelot's figure beside him.

Lancelot was wearing the same smile he always his did. His mood seemed great. But, Leonel was quite aware that much of this was a façade.

A leader of men didn't always have the luxury of wearing his heart on his sleeve. This was a curse that it seemed both Lancelot and Arthur were afflicted with.

Leonel nodded. "The restrictions I placed on him are modified Three Star Magus Arts. Though they're not able to stop him completely, it will take him some effort to break them even if he goes all out. My estimates sits at ... seven seconds. By the time he breaks it, I'll already be aware and that time is enough for me to activate the teleportation key I hid on him."

Lancelot nodded with some assurance, his smile as bright as ever.

"About these negotiations, Leonel. I'm curious about this Ascension Empire and what joining them means for Camelot."

Leonel sighed. "The Ascension Empire is just like any other. Its main focus is growth, expansion and holding onto its power. In the past, what mattered most was your talent and now what also matters most is still your talent. In truth, I wouldn't say that it's any different from Camelot. The only difference is that compared to being at the top like you are now, you will have to fight to hold such a position again."

Leonel swept a glance toward Lancelot, half expecting him to defend Camelot and speak words about how much they loved their people and other similar things.

Empire, Camelot treated its 'lesser-thans' far worse. At least on the surface,

it would be easier to deal with Invalid tides. In fact, much of the reason Leonel didn't run into an Invalid despite the early stages

By the time they established themselves, their worlds would have to be

with this problem. And, with the exception of the oceans where humans couldn't normally reside anyway, everywhere

but wonder how much of the invention of Paradise Islands were about land shortage... and how much was a plan for this

Lancelot nodded, not a hint of derision on his face. "I hope they

slight crack showing

before, but I'm sorry for what happened to you. To think that you

In truth, I did it mostly to save my

sighed, his blue irises dimming somewhat. "... It's unfortunate that selfishness isn't always possible,

for a

can only be rewarded after selfishness has finished taking everything it wants first.

toward Leonel's side profile, his

just

seemed to resonate

and space to

beneath their feet began

gaze sharpened. 'It's here? That was

Leonel had felt a feeling tugging at the back of his mind.

more powerful than maybe even he himself knew. The more he thought about it, the more possibilities he crossed

Zone quests hadn't

Leonel had already saved King Arthur from a fate of death, if

was one issue with

possibly kill Mordred. Let alone the fact that he wouldn't have the heart to do so even if he didn't know her so well, they were now intimately acquainted. To Leonel, killing Mordred would feel

he called Mordred his friend,

in place as guides to those who entered, allowing them to help along the resolution of the Zone as a