(Planet Ixtal, Temporary Skyshard Mansion, Leo's POV)
Leo converted a small room inside the temporary Skyshard Mansion as his war room, as he held etings there everyday with Cult Commanders regarding the future expansion plans of the Cult.
Galactic maps hovered faintly above the tabletop, planetary clusters highlighted in shifting light as supply routes, potential resistance nodes, and military fault lines were discussed with asured calm, the atmosphere focused and controlled as the three n shared productive ideas.
"This world," Leo said calmly, tapping the image of a frontier planet bordering Yu Clan territory.
"It lacks a aningful military presence and sits just beyond the outer edge of the Yu Clan's primary defensive ring. If we take it cleanly and consolidate fast, it becos a forward anchor. From there, reclaiming the next three forr Cult planets becos significantly easier."
Commander Anderson Silva inclined his head, eyes fixed on the projection as he evaluated the positioning.
"It would function as a stabilizing stronghold, my Lord," he replied. "With that planet secured, we gain mobility in this quadrant and ensure our forces are never operating without a nearby fallback or reinforcent point."
Mickey Jas folded his arms as the star map rotated slowly above them.
"I agree with the approach," he said after a mont. "But once we conquer it, we will need to station a Cult Commander there permanently, along with a dedicated unit to maintain order and deter retaliation."
His gaze shifted toward Leo.
"Over ti, that kind of deploynt reduces our offensive flexibility. We are still rebuilding. Our number of Commanders is limited, and we do not have a God standing openly behind us. Expanding too quickly could stretch our forces thin and leave multiple worlds exposed if pressure cos from more than one direction."
Mickey added as Leo gave a faint nod, his gaze remaining fixed on the rotating starfield as he weighed both symbolism and sustainability, understanding that the first planet they seized would not rely expand territory, but define the tone of everything that followed. *Knock* *Knock*
All three n glanced up.
Chaosbringer's voice followed from outside.
"Apologies for interrupting, my Lord, however this is urgent." Leo's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Enter."
The door opened smoothly as Chaosbringer stepped in, closing it behind him before bowing deeply, hands folded respectfully at his front.
"My Lord."
His tone was controlled, yet beneath it lay unmistakable tension.
Leo leaned back in his chair.
"What is it?"
Chaosbringer straightened only slightly.
"Reports from Du Lohora confirm that envoys from all major clans have visited Moltherak in recent days."
The room grew still.
"The Du Clan sent representation. The Mu, Yu, Ru, Lu and Su Clans as well. While even Mauriss and Kaelith are rumored to have sent
soone."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"There are also credible reports suggesting that Moltherak traveled personally to the Eternal Garden upon Kaelith's request for a private audience."
Commander Silva exchanged a glance with Mickey Jas, though neither spoke.
Leo's expression remained unreadable.
"And the Cult?" he asked, as Chaosbringer lowered his eyes.
"Our envoy was received at Du Lohora, my Lord... but denied.
audience."
Silence settled heavily over the study.
"He was not hard," Chaosbringer clarified softly. "He was dismissed
without eting the Dragon King."
Leo's fingers tapped lightly against the table once, as Chaosbringer
continued carefully.
"The Cult envoy was the only one not granted an audience."
He swallowed subtly.
"My Lord, I do not pretend to interpret Moltherak's intent. However, this places us in an uncomfortable position."
He clasped his hands tighter.
"If he speaks with all major factions yet refuses to acknowledge us, it creates strategic ambiguity regarding where we stand in his
considerations."
The words were chosen deliberately.
"I am afraid this is no longer a matter I can address through
correspondence or secondary channels."
His voice grew more earnest, though never bold.
"And I must insist that you pay him a visit yourself, my Lord."
He bowed again, deeper this ti.
"Only a direct eting between you and Moltherak can clarify
whether the Dragon stands neutral, hostile, or aligned."
The holographic map above the table flickered quietly in the background.
Leo remained seated, eyes steady, as Anderson Silva and Mickey Jas waited in silence for his response, understanding that they should not interrupt Leo while he contemplated matters so
important.
'What's going on with the Old Dragon?
He's clearly not the type that would renegade on his word.
However, if so, then why is he not eting with any Cult envoys?' Leo wondered, as he subconsciously tightened his jaw.
'I do not mind eting the Old Dragon, however, I do not wish to
et him unannounced, for I am no longer just Leo Skyshard, a lone warrior, but rather Cult Master Leo Skyshard, whose pride represents the pride of my people.
Leo thought, as he shook his head in disappointnt.
If possible, he really did not wish to confront Moltherak, or force an audience and appear desperate, as his pride as the Cult's Sect Master did not allow for him to do so.
However, considering what was at stake, and how there seed to be no other choice, in the end he decided to swallow his pride and do what Chaosbringer wanted, as he decided to pay Moltherak a
personal visit.
"Fine..."
He muttered, as he let out a deep sigh.
"Prepare a vessel to take to Du Lohora.
I'll pay Moltherak a visit and get a clarification on where he stands,
myself."
Leo said, as Chaosbringer gave him a grateful bow before quickly
excusing himself from the room, as he issued orders to prepare Leo's transport vessel.
"The old Dragon better have a real good reason to avoid eting Cult envoys and making travel personally to et him.
Because if not...."
Leo began, as his eyes turned cold and distant, the faint warmth that
lingered in them monts ago draining away completely while the air inside the small study seed to tighten in response to the shift in his temperant.
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