So, the traitor returns to the scene of their greatest betrayal. Do you come seeking forgiveness or punishment?
How can I ask for forgiveness when I betrayed you?
laughs darkly Forgiveness? Oh, my dear Perez, forgiveness is not something you shall ever receive from me. But punishment...
I don't want your forgiveness nor your punishment, my lord.
leans forward, eyes piercing Then what do you desire, Perez? What could possibly motivate a traitor like you to seek an audience with me?
I want nothing but to atone for my sins, my lord.
stands up abruptly, slamming his fist on the armrest of his throne Atone for your sins? You dare suggest such a thing?
Yes, my lord. I have come to offer my services to you.
narrows his eyes, studying Perez Your services, you say? And why should I believe that you have truly changed, Perez?
Because I know my time in Azsar was useless. My lord, please give me another chance. I can make it up to you.
smirks wickedly Another chance? How intriguing. Very well, Perez. If you truly wish to make it up to me, prove your loyalty.
stands up from his throne, towering over Perez There is a rival kingdom to the east. They have been harboring rebels who threaten our dominance.
I will crush them, my lord.
smirks maliciously Excellent. Lead a contingent of our most elite warriors to their capital and raze it to the ground. Leave no survivors.
Consider it done, my lord.
clenches his fists, his voice dripping with venom Perez, remember this - failure will not be tolerated.
Understood, my lord. I nod
extends his hand towards Perez Shake on it, Perez. Seal your pact with blood.
I hesitate but eventually shake his hand
tightens his grip on Perez's hand, his eyes burning with determination Remember, Perez, this pact cannot be broken.
Neither will it be broken by me, my lord.
snaps his fingers, summoning his guards Prepare the necessary supplies for Perez and his troops. We leave at dawn.
turns to Perez, his eyes gleaming with power Now go, Perez. Prove your loyalty to me and secure our dominance. The fate of our empire depends on it.
Yes, my lord. I bow slightly and leave the throne room
paces back and forth in his chamber, deep in thought This could be the key to reclaiming my throne.
<Perez successfully leads the assault on the rival kingdom and annihilates their capital, leaving no survivors. He returns to Alaric and presents him with the severed head of the rival king as proof of his loyalty. Alaric, impressed by Perez's ruthless efficiency, promotes him to the rank of Marshal and grants him control over the empire's deadliest mercenaries. With Perez by his side, Alaric begins to plot his return to power and reclaim his lost throne.>
rubs his hands together in excitement Perez, my trusted Marshal, we have come a long way together. Now it is time to strike the final blow.
Yes, my lord. When do we attack?
smirks deviously The time for attack has come, Perez. Gather our armies and prepare them for battle. We will strike at dawn.
Understood, my lord. I nod and leave the chamber to gather the armies
slams his fist on the table, eyes blazing with fury Perez! Have the prisoners brought before me. It's time they face the consequences of their treachery.
Yes, my lord. I leave the throne room and order the guards to bring the prisoners to the chamber
enters the chamber where the prisoners are being held, his presence filling the room So, you think you can betray me and get away with it?
The prisoners tremble, whispering among themselves.
voice dripping with venom Silence! You dare speak amongst yourselves when your king has returned? You will regret your betrayal, every last one of you.