The Dreamer's POV

Mikey sat in the Lyma manor, his fingers intertwined under his chin as he pondered deeply about the changes that had occured since his arrival. Find adventures on empire

The western republic had fallen to some external powerful force that was outside of the four continents, but what did that mean? Was there another continent that researchers, cartographers and sailors missed or was this force from outside of Mage'Earth just like he was? He shook his head dismissing the idea of the alliance taking control of the western republic.

Though he couldn't save the Southern Kingdom palace, and was certain that it was the work of the alliance, the thought of them taking control over an entire continent which was largely militaristic seemed unthinkable.

"It just can't be, not with the numbers I saw after the special event, and why not the Southern Kingdom first? They went through the trouble of killing off the royal line and creating a symbol that told of their reach. Why there and not here?" He muttered to Lucy who simply nodded. She as well believed that it was not the work of the alliance, there was another in all this chaos, and perhaps the quake was connected to all of it.

Theo was in the sitting room with them, and he simply sat, staring at the two, and simply unsure of how to react. The door of the room came open once more, and Drius came forward, his face looked grim and just from seeing him, they expected another terrible news.

He walked forward, moving his eyes from the group and the ground, then he stopped.

"I just got this news from the other nobles and some outside sources. The Northern Kingdom has fallen under the control of the same external force, but I got something this time around. The nobles mentioned dragon kin and dragon lords though I have no idea what that is."

Theo looked to Mikey hoping for some answers but the man simply stared blankly. Mikey's disappearance and change had Theo a little disconcerted, but he was happy to see his butler once again, though Mikey seemed much less like a butler now–he was not even wearing the butler's outfit and instead wore a loose large brown tunic shirt and a brown trousers made from cotton.

Lucy turned to Mikey, and whispered some words, "I had read about the dragon kin in a bestiary book, though contrary to that, they seem more man than beast. I cannot recall much, but they were said to be extinct in the book. I also remember them to be mighty strong, with a number of them wielding powerful flame magic." She said all of this all under her breath, careful not to have the others hear her.

Theo's face was slightly crumpled. Friends they made be, but this act was nothing short of disrespectful, he was after all the lord of the house and should therefore be privy to all information that flew under his roof, especially ones that seemed important, however he didn't speak, the two were not just his benefactors, but also the entire region's benefactors. They may not hold any official position save Mikey's position as a butler, but Theo knew that despite his charisma and his efforts with the people, the two characters before him could rally most of the capital against him, though they had no reason to.

He had to be patient and hopeful. Mikey noticed Luke's frustration in all of this, he cleared his throat and turned to the boy.

"What Miss Lucy simply said was that she had read about the dragon kin, and it was said that their race was no more which makes all of this even more surprising."

"Hmmm… Is that so? Luke, how did you get to know Miss Lucy? A mere butler having such a powerful friend is unheard of, and there is your disappearance." Theo stopped, though he was curious about Luke as more than a butler, people were allowed to have secrets.

'Brat.' Mikey smirked.

"She owes me favor, I saved her in a time of trouble, though I had no idea she was capable of wielding such magic, I knew she would do great things. It all panned out in the end."

Theo simply nodded, he could tell that it was a lie, or not the complete truth, but he accepted it nevertheless.

"Just how? Soon as the quakes stopped, continents got subjugated. Who is that powerful? What army?!" Theo was visibly getting frustrated, adding more to the tension in his room.

Drius simply stood, appearing with a stoic countenance this time around.

"We need to speak to what remains of the alliance, if they remain at all." Lucy suggested.

"Right, we should do just that."

Mikey turned to Drius, "And the theocracy? Heard anything about it? Are they facing any foes?"

"Nothing sir Luke." Drius responded.

Mikey turned his attention back to Theo, urging him, "Perhaps the Priestess can use some words of comfort and courage in this dire time, you two after all are close in age. If all these does get solved, hopefully, you would have certain leverages over the others."

'Still politicking while kingdoms are getting subverted and demons roam the lands, how typical Mikey.' Mikey thought, unknowingly wearing a slight smirk.

"I will do just that." Theo responded energetically and Mikey simply nodded.

"I and Miss Lucy want to visit a new friend, do not worry, the protection will still be in place, and chances are that we won't be away for long. Reassure the people of their protection once we are gone, your voice has incredible power."

"Thank you Lu… Sir Luke." Theo replied, he realized there that Mikey had become much more than just his butler and friend, and felt compelled to address him with some form of dignified respect.

Mikey stood, and so did Lucy. He held her left hand, and with a flash of blue light, the two figures disappeared from where they were, startling Theo and Drius.

"Was that Sir Luke or Miss Lucy?" Theo turned erratically, his voice holding the childlike curiosity he had long abandoned.

Drius shook his head, "One thing is certain however, Sir Luke is much more than he lets on. I heard some recollections from the guards about his arrival."

Theo nodded, the guard had affirmed his suspicion.