The next two days passed in a similar fashion, with meetings involving various allied factions, hunting and leveling up on the ringworld, and attending the occasional smaller auctions and exchanges leading up to the grand auctions. Today, however, marked a significant shift—the meeting with the upper echelon of the Aegis Coalition and the Synth Alliance.

  Alistair, Nessyra, and Riseth were being led toward the largest structure at the heart of the capital. Alistair couldn’t help but whistle at the sheer enormity of the curved building. Even with its defensive measures inactive, he could sense the immense magic and energy at play. Invisible, multilayered barriers enveloped the structure, their intricate workings forming a constant, impenetrable shield. Surrounding the building, bunkers housing weapon platforms outsizing their own railgun emplacements by at least five times dotted the cityscape, a silent warning to any who dared approach.

  Anyone who thought victory was assured simply by breaching the massive fleets and installations above would find themselves sorely mistaken—this world was designed to withstand even the most cataclysmic of assaults.

  A chain of attendants quickly led them to the top of the structure, navigating maze-like corridors and elevators that climbed ever higher. Sporadically, they glimpsed the outside through windows and displays, the latter imitating the vibrant, sunny day beyond. Riseth glanced at the ceiling, and Alistair knew exactly what she was sensing—the Grade 7 dragon they had frequently sensed in the distance was almost certainly part of this meeting.

  Using his senses, Alistair picked up on several powerful presences above, some of which he recognized. Eventually, they were brought to a set of metallic double doors that slid open with a smooth hum, granting them entry. The attendants quickly stepped aside and vanished, leaving them to face what lay ahead.

  They were greeted by a chamber that had been spatially enlarged. The vast space was dominated by a large circular table at its center, with holographic displays hovering above it. The seats were arranged in distinct groupings—Coalition members and their allies occupied one side, while the Synth Alliance sat on the other. Between the two factions sat the dragon, clad in richly decorated robes of Tok’eall.

  Alistair’s gaze lingered on the dragon’s antler-like horns, sparking a guess that it might be some variant of an Asian dragon. His Identify returned as [Akurori - lvl ??].

  Opposite the dragon, three seats awaited them, each bearing a simplified version of the Ryser clan banner: an intertwined serpent with a draconic head forming the runic "R." The arrangement left no doubt that these seats had been reserved explicitly for them.

  Beside their section sat a handful of individuals Alistair didn’t recognize. Judging by their positioning and demeanor, he guessed they belonged to factions with ties to both the Synth Alliance and the Coalition, much like themselves.

  Alistair honestly had only a rough idea of what would be discussed during the meeting. He wasn’t even sure their presence was strictly necessary, but Nessyra had insisted it was worth attending. Their presence alone, she had explained, would earn them a great deal of goodwill from all parties involved, even if they didn’t actively participate in the discussions.

  Many of the chairs remained empty, assuaging any fears that they were late. As they stepped into the room, all eyes turned to them. Alistair, feeling the weight of the attention, instinctively raised a hand in a casual wave, pairing it with the most relaxed smile he could muster.

  Most turned away, resuming their discussions, but two individuals approached from the other side of the room. The first was Esta, once again dressed in what appeared to be a formal uniform adorned with the sigils of both the Vibrantis Society and the Aegis Coalition prominently displayed on her chest.

  The second was Adam, who had transformed into an even more imposing figure towering over Esta. His sleek, humanoid frame resembled something akin to a gundam, though that descriptor didn’t fully apply to most members of the Synth Alliance. Adam’s choice to retain metallic decorative protrusions resembling his elven ears certainly added to the distinctive flair, giving him a look that blended elegance with raw power.

  After erecting a privacy sphere and hugging Esta, Alistair turned to Adam and initially considered doing the same. However, after a brief moment of hesitation, he decided to grasp Adam’s offered hand instead, adding a pat on his shoulder. Adam’s sleek, metallic body was somewhat ungainly for everyday interactions, making the handshake feel like the better option.

  "It looks like you succeeded with your second evolution," Alistair commented, his gaze sweeping over Adam’s altered form.

  "I did," Adam replied, glancing between them. "It’s good to see you both again. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to reach out as much as I’d have liked. I’m hoping this meeting works out so we can also gain access to the Coalition’s universal network."

  "It’s good to see you’re doing well. How are your wife and child?" Riseth asked.

  Alistair sensed Adam’s emotions flare with pride as he conjured a holographic window. It displayed an image of a beautiful elven woman with golden leaves woven into her long brown hair, her bright green eyes shining against her tanned skin. She held a small baby with the same vivid green eyes and blond hair—reminiscent of how Adam’s hair had once looked before his transformation.

  "I can’t believe you gave up your biological body, no matter how badass you look," Esta commented, her tone laced with slight trepidation as she inspected the image.

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

  "Physical intimacy isn’t everything; true love goes beyond that," Adam replied. "Though I understand the hesitation—this choice isn’t for everyone. Some small sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. The Tok’eall understand this very well."

  "And how have you been doing?" Alistair asked Esta, trying to steer the conversation away from politics for a moment. "If this keeps up, I’ll see you in dress uniform more often than your combat gear," he teased.

  Esta smirked, a toothy grin spreading across her face. "Are you up for another spar?" she countered. "Though I can tell I don’t stand a chance anymore against the Forcebreaker."

  "Forcebreaker?" Alistair repeated, his brow furrowing in confusion.

  "Oh? You didn’t see the bounty the Blackmarket Syndicate posted?" she asked, raising an eyebrow with a mischievous glint in her eye.

  She pulled up a screen displaying two profiles side by side: Alistair Ryser and Riseth Ryser. Each had a bounty of two hundred million [USC], with an additional bonus promised for eliminating them together. Beneath their names, the titles stood out starkly: Forcebreaker and Spectral Serpent.

  "They gave us nicknames?" Riseth asked, disbelief evident in her tone.

  "It’s pretty typical for high-bounty targets," Esta replied with a shrug.

  Alistair nodded as he scanned the details they’d gathered on him and Riseth. "Makes sense. Eberus was called the Hydra of Misery, if I remember correctly. And there’s Ekhar the Unchained," he added with a smirk. "At least they gave us decent nicknames."

  Riseth pursed her lips, mulling it over. "I guess it could have been worse," she admitted. "At least their information on us is rather limited—some of it’s even incorrect. From the looks of it, they didn’t manage to figure out my core concept."

  "Mine’s pretty obvious, though they still aren’t sure whether it’s Kinetics or Force," Alistair remarked. "I suppose the only one who escaped from us is Ekhar, and he didn’t get into a close-quarters fight with me."

  "It also shows they likely have no spies in our ranks," Riseth added. "Anyone familiar with our clan’s reservations regarding treasures would already know what your concept is."

  "Honestly, the telekinesis should be a dead giveaway." Alistair shrugged, a hint of exasperation in his tone. "Though I guess they could just assume I have an inherently strong affinity for it... which I do, but still."

  They continued chatting among themselves, catching up while occasionally glancing over as more parties arrived. Eventually, the final group entered, and a Tok’eall secretary made a formal announcement, signaling everyone to take their seats. Alistair, Riseth, and Nessyra settled into their designated places, with Esta and the diplomats of the Vibrantis Society seated not far from them.

  Alistair watched as the leader of the Tok’eall people—a tall, olive-toned Tok’eall clad in royal blue robes—rose to his feet. If Alistair had to guess, the leader’s body was 90% machine, with only his skull remaining mostly biological.

  “I am Aramemnos,” he began, his voice unnaturally smooth and perfectly modulated. His cybernetic eyes scanned the room as he continued, introducing several factions by name and emphasizing their importance to the proceedings, including the Ryser clan.

  After concluding the introductions, Aramemnos calmly yet commandingly reiterated the purpose of their gathering, his words resonating throughout the chamber.

  "Today, we face a choice: to solidify an agreement of peace and cooperation or to risk descending into conflict," Aramemnos declared, his tone measured yet resolute. "I urge you all to consider what is at stake, for it is my earnest hope that we choose the path of unity and peaceful coexistence."

  Slight murmuring arose among the many factions, the low buzz of conversation filling the chamber. Alistair’s gaze shifted to Adam, who was speaking quietly to the leader of the Synth Alliance seated to his right. The leader was an even larger synth, clad in a sleek light-blue metallic body with glowing golden visors that scanned the room methodically as he listened to Adam.

  Alistair knew an Identify would automatically fail and he had too little information to even guess the subspecies of synth, though he was certain it was higher than a Synth Lord.

  As if on cue, the leader of the Synth Alliance rose, his Brereton voice commanding attention after he finished listening to Adam. "We thank the Tok’eall and the Aegis Coalition for this opportunity to foster peace and unity," he began. "The Synth Alliance is committed to resolving any conflicts of interest and ensuring that our presence here strengthens, rather than undermines, our shared goals. I am Amuro Daefir, the current representative and leader of the Synth Alliance in this universe."

  Before the Synth could lower himself, a scoff echoed from the other side of the table.

  "Shared goals?" a human Alistair didn’t recognize sneered. "You threatened our world when we refused to bow to your whims—and your frankly ridiculous demands about how we handle the loot we acquired through the trial."

  "As I said, we are keen to resolve any conflicts of interest, including disputes regarding intellectual property," Amuro replied evenly. "These rules have existed across the multiverse for perhaps longer than most civilizations." He paused briefly, his tone softening. "However, I understand the misgivings you and many other factions might have and am willing to work toward a compromise."

  Before either side could voice any further argument, Aramemnos raised his hand, his powerful aura washing over the room, silencing all present. "I do not like to repeat myself," he declared, his tone firm and commanding. "These proceedings will follow strict decorum and order. You may speak only when given the floor. Is that understood?"

  His gaze swept over the room, lingering briefly on both the human and the Synth who had spoken out. Neither rose to challenge his authority; instead, they inclined their heads in silent acknowledgment.

  "Good," Aramemnos continued. "First, we shall establish the status of the Synth Alliance within this universe and its intent before revisiting any standing grievances and their potential resolution."

  "Representative Amuro, you have the floor," Aramemnos said, his voice calm but authoritative.

  The proceedings were exceedingly slow and, to Alistair, painfully dull. He only occasionally perked up when an interesting topic was introduced, but his attention quickly waned as it was drowned out by an endless cycle of questions, debates, demands, and compromises. The sheer weight of discussions threatened to drag the negotiations far beyond their intended scope.

  As the talks wore on, Alistair began to notice something peculiar. The chamber wasn’t just spatially enlarged—it was also temporally altered. Time within the room seemed to move at a slower pace, a deceleration effect that appeared to grow stronger as discussions continued. It became clear that the manipulation was a deliberate effort to compress what would have otherwise taken days into a single, elongated session.

  Alistair suppressed a groan, glancing around the room. It didn’t take long to realize he wasn’t the only one who found some of these discussions highly unnecessary. His gaze briefly met Esta’s, her exasperation mirroring his own. To his surprise, even the dragon on the other side of the table appeared equally unimpressed, its glowing eyes fixed on the speakers with what could only be described as thinly veiled boredom.