At the Gate of Divinity, Godfrey met the New King.
The other man wore lavish armor, like a peacock spreading its tail-a cloak woven with gold and silver thread glittered with countless tiny gems, his breastplate bore dizzyingly intricate engravings, and even his scabbard was set with exquisite glintstone.
Godfrey's first reaction was: Was this fellow here for a beauty contest?
His second reaction was-
No.
His gaze sharpened.
Beneath those lavish ornaments, every tiny movement of the New King radiated a pressure that sent chills down his spine. The man merely stood there casually, his weight settled slightly lower, his hands hanging naturally, his breathing steady and deep-details that meant nothing to ordinary people, but to a seasoned warrior like Godfrey, every one of them screamed a warning.
This was a monster.
And the most dangerous kind-a monster that hid its fangs beneath silk and jewels.
Heh. Marika, you certainly knew how to make things difficult for me.
Godfrey chuckled bitterly to himself, even as his blood began to race-the reaction that came only when he faced a formidable opponent, setting his whole body alight with excitement.
"Hello, Mr. Godfrey."
The New King spoke first, his voice as calm as though he were greeting an old friend.
"My name is Tarnished. As in the Tarnished."
Godfrey nodded. Without pleasantries or polite formalities, he stated his purpose outright:
"You have a fine country."
Tarnished smiled. "Thank you."
"But I'm going to take it from you."
Silence fell for a moment.
Tarnished's expression did not change. He merely tilted his head slightly, as though considering a perfectly ordinary question.
"Why?"
"I promised Marika," Godfrey said frankly, "that I would create the world she wished for."
"For a woman?"
A hint of amusement colored Tarnished's voice.
Godfrey shook his head. A rare