Jogid stood at the end of the table. His scales were as serene as a lake and his IDM was stronger than a waterfall. Everyone was accounted for. Everyone except Pronotum who had not yet returned from his assignment at the capital. His report would pave the way for the road ahead.
Certainly. Their future. Their life, their tomorrow, their magnificent leader’s peace. It must be safeguarded until his return. So he took it upon himself to organize a meeting and keep everyone on the same ‘page’—as Kaito would often say.
Albus and Shagal were sitting side by side, sharing glances and small smiles over the agenda.
Efficient, Jogid nodded to himself, satisfied.
Acting Mayor Angelina entered the room and Jogid straightened. She moved to the head of the table while they waited for the last attendee to arrive.
They didn’t have to wait long.
Portia’s laughter boomed through the conference room chatter. She clapped Shagal’s back and shuffled chairs to make room to the right of Angelina, while Albus and Shagal were seated across from her.
It was indisputable that Angelina had done more than an excellent job managing the village's administrative duties. She had kept the town's finances in check and even navigated minor negotiations with the mayor of Plago. However, the red-headed warrior had been the true star behind illuminating Calmo in the master's absence. She organized the village's defense training, coordinated additional megnac patrols, and ensured the villagers' resources were well-stocked. Jogid nodded to himself. The village was indeed running up to the Great Master’s standards. It was no wonder Lady Zenith had chosen these two as her handmaidens.
Jogid cleared his throat and gave Portia a nod. She grinned, then banged the table for attention.
“I am grateful you have all assembled here today,” Jogid started, and felt everyone’s gazes landing on him. Perhaps he should have organized his thoughts better before assembling everyone. This would have to do.
Jogid had a vague idea of what needed to be done; he wished Calmo would be ready for Master Kaito’s return. He had completed the training his master had left him, the megnac beetles had his new homes almost complete, and the magic school was coming along nicely.
He didn’t know when Calmo would be able to open up the school to the world. What he did know, however, was that restoring stability to the kingdom was essential. This was for Mayor Zenith, for Kaito—no, more broadly, for a peaceful way of life. That, he realized, would truly be Kaito’s path.
His words were simple, yet brimming with meaning. Find out what’s happening in the capital. Then stop this nonsense. He might also have added ‘diplomatically,’ at the end. Yes. Caution was of utmost importance. He would see it done.
“Mayor Angelina, I extend my sincere gratitude for graciously hosting this gathering,” Jogid said. Angelina’s cheeks blushed immediately at the words, and her eyes darted around the room.
Everyone simply nodded.
Jogid was content by the unity and competence. “For our first order of business: Has there been any word from the capital?”
“Regrettably, there has been no word from the capital as of yet,” Shagal replied, rising slightly. “The last report indicated that contact has been made with the Master of Illusions, but progress remains stalled.”
“I see,” A solemn frown creased Jogid's scaly features. “Please ensure we are promptly notified should any new information come to light." He offered Shagal an appreciative nod before shifting his focus. “General Albus, I would be grateful if you could provide an update on the various construction efforts currently underway.”
Albus rose to his full height, his white carapace impeccable as always.
“The restoration of the Master's sanctuary nears completion," Albus's deep baritone voice rumbled. "Scutus and the megnac construction brigade toiled tirelessly, to see it done before the magnificent leader’s return.”
He paused, mandibles twitching slightly. “However, the construction of the academy grounds has faced...unforeseen obstacles. Securing adequate quantities of fortified stone has proven more arduous than anticipated. Our quarry reserves dwindle with each foundation laid.”
He straightened his posture, his voice grew louder, and his towering frame started radiating an aura of noble martial prowess. “Rest assured, I shall reinforce the excavation efforts. We will not falter in erecting a bastion of knowledge befitting our Master's teachings.”
"Thank you for the update, General Albus," Jogid replied, inclining his head respectfully. "Your tireless efforts, and those of your soldiers, are an inspiration to us all. Does anyone have any other questions for the General regarding the construction projects?"
The room remained still, a contemplative silence hanging in the air briefly before Jogid gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
"Master Jogid, if you have a moment after this council convenes, I would be honored to escort you on an inspection of the magnificent leader’s new domicile. The progress, I believe, will underscore our devotion to his greatness."
"Of course, General. I would welcome the opportunity to bear witness to the enhancements taking shape." Jogid turned his attention back to the council. "Now then, unless there are any other pressing matters, those were all the topics on my ‘agenda.’” He said, while recalling the lessons and the words that the Great Master had taught him.
Angelina cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the council members. Her expression held a touch of concern as she addressed the group. "Thank you, Master Jogid, for those important updates," she began, her voice soft but steady. "However, there is one more pressing matter I feel we must discuss. It concerns our trade agreement with Plago."
Jogid leaned forward, driven by curiosity. "Please, Mayor Angelina, enlighten us."
Angelina took a deep breath before continuing. "I received word from Mayor Hor Shurkitsk that he has decided to cut all trade agreements with Calmo village, effective immediately. He did not disclose his reasons for this sudden decision."
A murmur of concern rippled through the room. Jogid's scales shifted uneasily as he processed this unexpected development.
"However," Angelina added, her voice growing slightly more confident, "I managed to negotiate a temporary extension. Mayor Shurkitsk has agreed to continue our current trade agreements for another twenty sun cycles, ensuring we receive one more shipment of goods."
Jogid let go of a breath he hadn’t noticed he’d been holding. "Well done, Mayor Angelina. Your quick thinking has bought us valuable time."
"But why would Plago suddenly cut ties with us? We've had a stable trade relationship for years,” Portia seethed.
"This one agrees. It doesn't make sense," Jogid said. "Something's not right here."
Shagal grunted for a moment before speaking. "I fear this may be connected to the troubling events unfolding in the capital."
"I say we send a delegation to Plago, find out what's really going on. I’ll lead it!” said Portia.
Jogid held up a clawed hand, calling for calm. "While I share your concerns, we must proceed with caution. Sending a delegation now, without fully understanding the situation, could be seen as an aggressive move."
He turned to Angelina. "Mayor, I trust you will continue to monitor this matter closely. Should any new developments arise, please inform us immediately."
Angelina nodded, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Of course, Master Jogid. I will keep a close eye on our communications with Plago."
Jogid addressed the council once more. "For now, we must focus on fortifying our own resources and preparing for any potential challenges ahead. The twenty sun cycles provide a window of opportunity – we must use it wisely."
The council members murmured their understanding, a sense of determination settling over the room.
"In the meantime," Jogid continued, "we will await word from Pronotum in the capital. His report may shed light on these troubling events and guide our next steps."
Jogid traded a glance with Angelina. In her eyes was nothing but agreement, as she made thorough notes on her ever-present ledger. Jogid admired her diligence. To a certain degree, he also admired Portia’s fire, which burned hotter than the hell beast’s realm.
He’d been truly blessed with the new family the gods have given him.
“I—I’d like to move forward with Master Jogid’s proposal. Does anyone have any last comments?” Angelina asked.
Angelina's gaze shifted from person to person, and everyone offered a nod of understanding.
The acting mayor passed on her closing remarks, and then they were done.
“This concludes today’s meeting. Calmo appreciates your attendance,” Angelina said.
With the meeting adjourned, the attendees began to rise from their seats—purpose lingered in the air. Portia rose with a huff, as if itching for action. Angelina carefully closed her ledger and put her quill back into her satchel. A small crease formed between her brows, no doubt contemplating the weight of the decisions that lay ahead.
“Master Jogid, are you ready to survey our overlord’s sanctum now?” Albus asked.
“It’ll be my honor.”
Shagal took a hesitant step forward while rubbing her well-defined bicep. “Master Jogid, would it be alright if I accompanied you and the general?”
Jogid inclined his head towards Shagal, granting her request with a simple nod. "Of course, your presence would be most welcome," he rumbled over the shuffling of chairs, rustling papers, and departing footsteps. And the three of them exited the village hall together.
Jogid’s wings extended wide, taking him into the air; Albus dove underground as if he were merely swimming, while Shagal dashed away, breaking the ground under her feet. They used IDM and reached the site in less than a moment, with Jogid arriving an instant sooner—yes, his new power was becoming second nature and—
When his eyes landed on the bizarre wood structure his heart froze. It was unlike anything he’d ever seen, but there was no doubt this architecture would provide an amount of strategic advantage that Jogid would never be able to measure.
“This construction, from what kingdom does it originate?” Shagal asked, mirroring his thoughts.
“None.” Abus replied. “It comes completely from the Great Master’s design.”
The structure stood tall. Imposing. The small hill could hardly contain its glory, yet it felt as if it had always been there. Spring brought life around it, with one sun at either side, under a clear blue sky, and embraced by the forest's green. He was disappointed that he couldn't inspect Master Kaito's future home just yet, as he sensed interlopers nearing.
“I sense them too,” General Albus grunted. “Master Jogid, should I summon the guards?”
“No! Everyone has work to do. We’ll deal with this ourselves.”
“I’ll hide. They must not know my presence here. It would only make more trouble.”
“General Albus, you do the same. But be ready to act,” Jogid said.
After Albus and Shagal disappeared, it didn’t take long for a caravan of horses, draped with the human and elven caparisons of the Daiyudura capital, to emerge from the forest path.
Jogid's piercing gaze remained fixed on the approaching caravan, his scales bristling with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. As the visitors drew closer, his eyes narrowed, focusing on a familiar face among their ranks. It was the slender knight who had accompanied Reinoldus' convoy during their attempt to take the princess away—Captain Breuc, if memory served him correctly.
Instinctively, Jogid and Albus took a few steps away from the Great Master's home, positioning himself as a protective barrier should any unforeseen events unfold. The caravan came to a halt before him, and Jogid's eyes bore into Breuc, causing the young knight to visibly shiver under the intensity of his stare.
"Greetings travelers, I am Jogid, are we lost, or simply passing through?" Jogid inquired, but he knew the answer would be neither.
The one who appeared to be in command dismounted from his horse and stepped forward, introducing himself with a bow. "I am Ausout Greenberdank, and we are in search of an elf named Goren Rotris, known to be the realm's strongest. He was last seen heading in this direction. Might you have any information regarding his whereabouts?"
“I'm afraid there is no one by that name in Calmo,” Jogid said with the friendliest tone he could muster.
Ausout raised an eyebrow "Calmo?" he repeated, as if the name were unfamiliar to him.
Jogid took a step forward, a smile forming as he prepared to offer further explanation. However, before he could utter a word, Breuc straightened atop his horse and interjected.
"Calmo is a small village of about a hundred souls," the slender knight explained with a slightly shaky voice. "Mostly farmers and bakers. It's unlikely that someone of Goren's caliber would be found in such a humble town."
Satisfaction rippled through Jogid's scales. While he appreciated Breuc's confirmation of Calmo's unassuming nature, he felt even more flattered that the young knight seemed to recall Jogid’s warning to his previous captain. He hoped he wouldn’t have to give the same warning to this one, Sir Greenberdank. At this moment, they couldn’t afford any more problems.
“Sir Greenberdank,” Jogid said. “It’s not much, but if your men are hungry, there should be leftover porridge at the tavern.”
The Daiyuduran captain's eyes darted between Jogid and Breuc a few times before he finally tapped his finger on the leather of his light cream horse’s reins and spoke.
“I guess you’re right. It’s unlikely the world strongest would concern himself with this village. Dragonfolk, May the suns serve you.”
“May the suns serve you as well.”
Sir Greenberdank scrutinized Jogid—but most likely the strange structure standing behind him—one last time, one eyebrow arched higher than the other and his lips pursed in a not-so-convinced smirk, then urged his horse forward.
// // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // //
Thank you for all the support. Here are some free codes for the 'Kaito, Seriously? Another World?' book 1, ebook:
Code 1 // Code 2 // Code 3 // Code 4 // Code 5 // Code 6
Jogid stood at the end of the table. His scales were as serene as a lake and his IDM was stronger than a waterfall. Everyone was accounted for. Everyone except Pronotum who had not yet returned from his assignment at the capital. His report would pave the way for the road ahead.
Certainly. Their future. Their life, their tomorrow, their magnificent leader’s peace. It must be safeguarded until his return. So he took it upon himself to organize a meeting and keep everyone on the same ‘page’—as Kaito would often say.
Albus and Shagal were sitting side by side, sharing glances and small smiles over the agenda.
Efficient, Jogid nodded to himself, satisfied.
Acting Mayor Angelina entered the room and Jogid straightened. She moved to the head of the table while they waited for the last attendee to arrive.
They didn’t have to wait long.
Portia’s laughter boomed through the conference room chatter. She clapped Shagal’s back and shuffled chairs to make room to the right of Angelina, while Albus and Shagal were seated across from her.
It was indisputable that Angelina had done more than an excellent job managing the village's administrative duties. She had kept the town's finances in check and even navigated minor negotiations with the mayor of Plago. However, the red-headed warrior had been the true star behind illuminating Calmo in the master's absence. She organized the village's defense training, coordinated additional megnac patrols, and ensured the villagers' resources were well-stocked. Jogid nodded to himself. The village was indeed running up to the Great Master’s standards. It was no wonder Lady Zenith had chosen these two as her handmaidens.
Jogid cleared his throat and gave Portia a nod. She grinned, then banged the table for attention.
“I am grateful you have all assembled here today,” Jogid started, and felt everyone’s gazes landing on him. Perhaps he should have organized his thoughts better before assembling everyone. This would have to do.
Jogid had a vague idea of what needed to be done; he wished Calmo would be ready for Master Kaito’s return. He had completed the training his master had left him, the megnac beetles had his new homes almost complete, and the magic school was coming along nicely.
He didn’t know when Calmo would be able to open up the school to the world. What he did know, however, was that restoring stability to the kingdom was essential. This was for Mayor Zenith, for Kaito—no, more broadly, for a peaceful way of life. That, he realized, would truly be Kaito’s path.
His words were simple, yet brimming with meaning. Find out what’s happening in the capital. Then stop this nonsense. He might also have added ‘diplomatically,’ at the end. Yes. Caution was of utmost importance. He would see it done.
“Mayor Angelina, I extend my sincere gratitude for graciously hosting this gathering,” Jogid said. Angelina’s cheeks blushed immediately at the words, and her eyes darted around the room.
Everyone simply nodded.
Jogid was content by the unity and competence. “For our first order of business: Has there been any word from the capital?”
“Regrettably, there has been no word from the capital as of yet,” Shagal replied, rising slightly. “The last report indicated that contact has been made with the Master of Illusions, but progress remains stalled.”
“I see,” A solemn frown creased Jogid's scaly features. “Please ensure we are promptly notified should any new information come to light." He offered Shagal an appreciative nod before shifting his focus. “General Albus, I would be grateful if you could provide an update on the various construction efforts currently underway.”
Albus rose to his full height, his white carapace impeccable as always.
“The restoration of the Master's sanctuary nears completion," Albus's deep baritone voice rumbled. "Scutus and the megnac construction brigade toiled tirelessly, to see it done before the magnificent leader’s return.”
He paused, mandibles twitching slightly. “However, the construction of the academy grounds has faced...unforeseen obstacles. Securing adequate quantities of fortified stone has proven more arduous than anticipated. Our quarry reserves dwindle with each foundation laid.”
He straightened his posture, his voice grew louder, and his towering frame started radiating an aura of noble martial prowess. “Rest assured, I shall reinforce the excavation efforts. We will not falter in erecting a bastion of knowledge befitting our Master's teachings.”
"Thank you for the update, General Albus," Jogid replied, inclining his head respectfully. "Your tireless efforts, and those of your soldiers, are an inspiration to us all. Does anyone have any other questions for the General regarding the construction projects?"
The room remained still, a contemplative silence hanging in the air briefly before Jogid gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
"Master Jogid, if you have a moment after this council convenes, I would be honored to escort you on an inspection of the magnificent leader’s new domicile. The progress, I believe, will underscore our devotion to his greatness."
"Of course, General. I would welcome the opportunity to bear witness to the enhancements taking shape." Jogid turned his attention back to the council. "Now then, unless there are any other pressing matters, those were all the topics on my ‘agenda.’” He said, while recalling the lessons and the words that the Great Master had taught him.
Angelina cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the council members. Her expression held a touch of concern as she addressed the group. "Thank you, Master Jogid, for those important updates," she began, her voice soft but steady. "However, there is one more pressing matter I feel we must discuss. It concerns our trade agreement with Plago."
Jogid leaned forward, driven by curiosity. "Please, Mayor Angelina, enlighten us."
Angelina took a deep breath before continuing. "I received word from Mayor Hor Shurkitsk that he has decided to cut all trade agreements with Calmo village, effective immediately. He did not disclose his reasons for this sudden decision."
A murmur of concern rippled through the room. Jogid's scales shifted uneasily as he processed this unexpected development.
"However," Angelina added, her voice growing slightly more confident, "I managed to negotiate a temporary extension. Mayor Shurkitsk has agreed to continue our current trade agreements for another twenty sun cycles, ensuring we receive one more shipment of goods."
Jogid let go of a breath he hadn’t noticed he’d been holding. "Well done, Mayor Angelina. Your quick thinking has bought us valuable time."
"But why would Plago suddenly cut ties with us? We've had a stable trade relationship for years,” Portia seethed.
"This one agrees. It doesn't make sense," Jogid said. "Something's not right here."
Shagal grunted for a moment before speaking. "I fear this may be connected to the troubling events unfolding in the capital."
"I say we send a delegation to Plago, find out what's really going on. I’ll lead it!” said Portia.
Jogid held up a clawed hand, calling for calm. "While I share your concerns, we must proceed with caution. Sending a delegation now, without fully understanding the situation, could be seen as an aggressive move."
He turned to Angelina. "Mayor, I trust you will continue to monitor this matter closely. Should any new developments arise, please inform us immediately."
Angelina nodded, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Of course, Master Jogid. I will keep a close eye on our communications with Plago."
Jogid addressed the council once more. "For now, we must focus on fortifying our own resources and preparing for any potential challenges ahead. The twenty sun cycles provide a window of opportunity – we must use it wisely."
The council members murmured their understanding, a sense of determination settling over the room.
"In the meantime," Jogid continued, "we will await word from Pronotum in the capital. His report may shed light on these troubling events and guide our next steps."
Jogid traded a glance with Angelina. In her eyes was nothing but agreement, as she made thorough notes on her ever-present ledger. Jogid admired her diligence. To a certain degree, he also admired Portia’s fire, which burned hotter than the hell beast’s realm.
He’d been truly blessed with the new family the gods have given him.
“I—I’d like to move forward with Master Jogid’s proposal. Does anyone have any last comments?” Angelina asked.
Angelina's gaze shifted from person to person, and everyone offered a nod of understanding.
The acting mayor passed on her closing remarks, and then they were done.
“This concludes today’s meeting. Calmo appreciates your attendance,” Angelina said.
With the meeting adjourned, the attendees began to rise from their seats—purpose lingered in the air. Portia rose with a huff, as if itching for action. Angelina carefully closed her ledger and put her quill back into her satchel. A small crease formed between her brows, no doubt contemplating the weight of the decisions that lay ahead.
“Master Jogid, are you ready to survey our overlord’s sanctum now?” Albus asked.
“It’ll be my honor.”
Shagal took a hesitant step forward while rubbing her well-defined bicep. “Master Jogid, would it be alright if I accompanied you and the general?”
Jogid inclined his head towards Shagal, granting her request with a simple nod. "Of course, your presence would be most welcome," he rumbled over the shuffling of chairs, rustling papers, and departing footsteps. And the three of them exited the village hall together.
Jogid’s wings extended wide, taking him into the air; Albus dove underground as if he were merely swimming, while Shagal dashed away, breaking the ground under her feet. They used IDM and reached the site in less than a moment, with Jogid arriving an instant sooner—yes, his new power was becoming second nature and—
When his eyes landed on the bizarre wood structure his heart froze. It was unlike anything he’d ever seen, but there was no doubt this architecture would provide an amount of strategic advantage that Jogid would never be able to measure.
“This construction, from what kingdom does it originate?” Shagal asked, mirroring his thoughts.
“None.” Abus replied. “It comes completely from the Great Master’s design.”
The structure stood tall. Imposing. The small hill could hardly contain its glory, yet it felt as if it had always been there. Spring brought life around it, with one sun at either side, under a clear blue sky, and embraced by the forest's green. He was disappointed that he couldn't inspect Master Kaito's future home just yet, as he sensed interlopers nearing.
“I sense them too,” General Albus grunted. “Master Jogid, should I summon the guards?”
“No! Everyone has work to do. We’ll deal with this ourselves.”
“I’ll hide. They must not know my presence here. It would only make more trouble.”
“General Albus, you do the same. But be ready to act,” Jogid said.
After Albus and Shagal disappeared, it didn’t take long for a caravan of horses, draped with the human and elven caparisons of the Daiyudura capital, to emerge from the forest path.
Jogid's piercing gaze remained fixed on the approaching caravan, his scales bristling with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. As the visitors drew closer, his eyes narrowed, focusing on a familiar face among their ranks. It was the slender knight who had accompanied Reinoldus' convoy during their attempt to take the princess away—Captain Breuc, if memory served him correctly.
Instinctively, Jogid and Albus took a few steps away from the Great Master's home, positioning himself as a protective barrier should any unforeseen events unfold. The caravan came to a halt before him, and Jogid's eyes bore into Breuc, causing the young knight to visibly shiver under the intensity of his stare.
"Greetings travelers, I am Jogid, are we lost, or simply passing through?" Jogid inquired, but he knew the answer would be neither.
The one who appeared to be in command dismounted from his horse and stepped forward, introducing himself with a bow. "I am Ausout Greenberdank, and we are in search of an elf named Goren Rotris, known to be the realm's strongest. He was last seen heading in this direction. Might you have any information regarding his whereabouts?"
“I'm afraid there is no one by that name in Calmo,” Jogid said with the friendliest tone he could muster.
Ausout raised an eyebrow "Calmo?" he repeated, as if the name were unfamiliar to him.
Jogid took a step forward, a smile forming as he prepared to offer further explanation. However, before he could utter a word, Breuc straightened atop his horse and interjected.
"Calmo is a small village of about a hundred souls," the slender knight explained with a slightly shaky voice. "Mostly farmers and bakers. It's unlikely that someone of Goren's caliber would be found in such a humble town."
Satisfaction rippled through Jogid's scales. While he appreciated Breuc's confirmation of Calmo's unassuming nature, he felt even more flattered that the young knight seemed to recall Jogid’s warning to his previous captain. He hoped he wouldn’t have to give the same warning to this one, Sir Greenberdank. At this moment, they couldn’t afford any more problems.
“Sir Greenberdank,” Jogid said. “It’s not much, but if your men are hungry, there should be leftover porridge at the tavern.”
The Daiyuduran captain's eyes darted between Jogid and Breuc a few times before he finally tapped his finger on the leather of his light cream horse’s reins and spoke.
“I guess you’re right. It’s unlikely the world strongest would concern himself with this village. Dragonfolk, May the suns serve you.”
“May the suns serve you as well.”
Sir Greenberdank scrutinized Jogid—but most likely the strange structure standing behind him—one last time, one eyebrow arched higher than the other and his lips pursed in a not-so-convinced smirk, then urged his horse forward.
// // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // //
Thank you for all the support. Here are some free codes for the 'Kaito, Seriously? Another World?' book 1, ebook:
Code 1 // Code 2 // Code 3 // Code 4 // Code 5 // Code 6
