"What do you mean by 'ruler'?" Saruto asked, his voice low and puzzled.
"I don't know," Bianca sighed. "All I know is that I heard my brother mention that title. I've never seen this Umbra… but it seems he was communicating with him telepathically."
Silence fell. Saruto lowered his head slightly, lost in thought. "So… Umbra isn't just an ordinary person. He's a ruler. But what kind of ruler? And why is he putting me through these tests one after another? What's his purpose?"
Sebastian, one of the four leaders, broke the silence, crossing his arms. "Alright, let's put that aside for now. Let's continue with the plan we've devised to overthrow the emperor."
Bianca nodded in agreement. Saruto turned to them. "And what plan are you talking about?"
Sudden silence fell. The leaders exchanged glances. Saroto ran a hand over his head and sighed deeply. "So… you still don't trust me."
Judith was about to speak, but he raised his hand to stop her. "Is there another way I can prove myself?" he asked.
"It's not what you think, Saroto," Bianca said quickly. "We were actually thinking of including you. But we couldn't find a place for you in the plan. It was drawn up long before you arrived."
Saruto smiled slightly. "Then… let's change it."
Andrew frowned. "How can you ask us to change a plan we've been working on for months?"
"I didn't ask you to change everything," Saroto replied calmly and confidently. "Just… a few details."
"But before that… tell me everything about the Kingdom of Helles."
Taeus produced a large map and spread it out on the table. "Here it is."
Sebastian leaned over the map and began to explain. "The Kingdom of Helles is divided into four regions."
He pointed to the first: "Area One: The Slave Zone. The inhabitants of the Ten Kingdoms are enslaved here. They are forced into hard labor and treated brutally. Some are even taken to serve as personal servants for soldiers."
He moved on to the second: "Area Two: The Privilege Zone. Slightly better than the Slave Zone. But the condition for entry is handing over a rebel to the kingdom."
Then the third: "Area Three: The Middle City. It is inhabited by the sons of the Dark Kingdom, both rich and poor. But because of the wars instigated by the Emperor… the kingdoms' wealth was plundered and distributed equally, so there are no more poor people."
Finally, he pointed to the center of the map: "Area Four: The Upper City. Where the soldiers and generals reside. And at its center… the Emperor's Palace."
Sebastian finished his explanation and said, "Is that enough, Saruto?"
He turned to face him, but Saruto wasn't even looking at him. His eyes were fixed on the map. Deep in his mind, plans began to take shape, one after another, like an intricate web of possibilities. He noticed something. Four entrances. A slow smile spread across his face. He raised his head, his eyes shining with a cold violet light, and said, "I have devised a plan… to bring down this king."
He paused, then added in a low but decisive voice, "Once… and for good."