After Dreha left, Mithrael observed the Ark for a few moments in silence. He turned to the High Mage. "Are the other Arks being built as I commanded?"

Elsebeth bowed. "Yes, my lord. All is as you requested."

Mithrael smiled. "I am pleased to hear it, Elsebeth. Inform me when they are done. You are dismissed." Elsebeth bowed once more before turning to leave the chambers. Her entourage surrounded her and walked out of the room with her.

After they left, Mithrael turned back to Josh and Susan. "You two are to go to the Meeting hall. I have summoned the generals for a briefing. We will mobilize the Ark at once."

The couple didn’t respond as they walked out of the room. As they walked down the hallway, their steps felt heavy. "Susan..." Josh said, holding out his hand. "We have to-"

She pressed her body against him, kissing him. She closed her eyes, savoring his smell as two guards walked by. When they were gone, she shook her head and whispered in his ear. "Not here. We will talk more tonight." She said gently.

Josh nodded, and they finished their trek to the meeting hall.

A servant standing nearby approached and opened the doors for them. He bowed as they passed. "General, Princess Susan. I hope you are well." He said, kneeling. Susan helped Josh sit down.

"I have been here many times. This is the first time being here feels like a noose being hung over my neck."

Mithrael walked in shortly after. Everyone kneeled as he took his place on the throne. He smiled as he sat down. "You may sit." He said as a servant brought him red wine.

After everyone was seated, Mithrael scanned the room. "Good. Everyone is here. I am sure you all are wondering why I have brought you here on such short notice. I will get straight to the point. We will be mobilizing the Arks."

The room stilled, and the atmosphere became heavy as murmurs echoed from around the room.

Mithrael held his hand up for silence.

"I know that I told many of you that we would never unleash the Ark’s on this world again. You had been sworn to secrecy as the Ark was sealed away. These forces we face are not from this world, are they?"

Mithrael stood up and walked over to a wall where the world map was displayed.

"Too many men have died at the hands of these otherworlders, and we have now lost a city to them. They ignored my quest for peace. Ladies and Gentlemen."

Mithrael turned back around, his eyes darkened with anger. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"We will avenge our fallen, and show them the height of their folly. General Llurkle, tell me, what importance does the new city that crossed over hold to the soldiers of this other world?"

Josh wanted to slump down in his seat and pretend he wasn’t there. Instead, he sat up in his chair, looking straight at Mithrael while all eyes were on him. Susan held his hand under the desk. He could tell she was trembling, but her eyes were narrowed and focused on her father.

"No turning back now. Once I do this, there will be no chance of defecting as Justin did. I’m sorry, my friend. You were right all along."

"My lord, thank you for allowing me to enlighten the room as you see fit." He said as he stood up. He held his hand against the desk to support himself as he turned to face the other generals.

"The newest city to cross between worlds is named Killeen, Texas. Back in my world, it was a large city just outside of the base where the otherworlders’ main command resides. Many of the soldiers likely have families and friends who live in the city. It is a city that I myself used to frequent quite often after work."

Mithrael traced his hand along where Killeen had fractured.

"And you think that if we were to destroy this city, the otherworlders will finally bow?"

Josh maintained a poker face as he looked at the board.

"Like hell they will, asshole. You’re lucky the US doesn’t have any nukes over here yet."

"Yes, my lord. I think that once they realize the city has been destroyed, they will finally bend the knee. Victory will be yours to claim. If I may be the first to raise a glass and offer my congratulations, Lord Mithrael."

Mithrael motioned for Josh to sit.

"General Heque, you will take command of the Ark. There are Elves located in Hiela City. They were the captains for the last Ark mission. Go and retrieve them. They will pilot for you."

General Heque bowed. "Thank you, my lord. I will not fail you."

Heque did his best not to sneer at Josh as he kneeled.

"You see, boy? Lord Mithrael rewards those of us who actually work."

Mithrael took one last glance at the map before turning back to Josh. "After their city is destroyed, you will lead a delegation to their borders. Take the fifth and seventh armies and surround their territory. If they still refuse, flatten their other city. You said its name was Austin?"

Josh nodded. "Yes, Sire. The other large city is Austin."

Mithrael clasped his arms behind his back. "If the first Ark attack fails, we will wait until the others are built, and then destroy Austin with them."

Mithrael walked back to the throne and sat back down. "Are there any questions?"

No one spoke.

"Good. You have your orders. Generals, I expect daily reports on your progress. Dismissed."

Ricky sat on the top of a building, looking down at the streets of Brishian city. Mana lamps were shutting off as the sun came over the horizon. He shivered, holding his arms together. "Has anyone found anything?" He texted in the group chat.

They had been in Brishian city for a week now, and no evidence that the Ark existed had surfaced. He had tried bars, blended in with soldiers, and captured a Cartharic officer. The subsequent interrogation of that officer had brought no results.

"Boss, something is happening on the other side of the city."

"What?"

He then felt it. The ground began to shake. A roar echoed through the city streets, sounding like...

"No... Fucking... Way." Ricky said as he looked up.

"I thought this was a fantasy world."