Akagi's words chilled the once lively conversation. It was a bold declaration, one that should've been met with either a furious rebuttal or a deluge of questions. However, despite what she'd expected, the Dwarves did not rebuke her, scold her, or seem off-put by what she'd said, rather a look of confirmation seemed to wash over their faces.

"Are you not surprised to hear this?" Akagi asked, breaking the nearly minute-long silence. "Or do you simply not believe me?"

{At this point, I'm expecting to have my name put in a certain book if its not already in there.} (Akagi)

"I believe that I speak for all of us when I state your words are indeed shocking, but moreso in that they confirm something that we'd already feared for some time." Hezmal said as the other Council members nodded.

"There was already some skepticism about the Gods during the war, and our scientists had already privately discussed their concerns about the true danger to this world." Minister Sapphirebringer broke his silence and spoke up, stroking his gray beard before continuing. "I'd commissioned our best researchers to analyze the structural damage being done to our world, and their initial reports... They showed that whatever was happening was not the result of a magic spell..." He said, his eyes growing dark as Akagi picked up on his unsaid meaning.

"So that's why you basically sat out the Spirit War." Akagi nodded, finally understanding why such a powerful civilization would send only token support to fight a supposed world ending threat. "You all realized it was a farce from the beginning."

{Looks like they're even smarter than I expected. Good, though that could make things easier or harder depending on how this plays out.} (Akagi)

"Yes." Minister Sapphirebringer nodded. "We were skeptical of the Gods' claims and investigated them ourselves and once we heard our researchers' reports it became difficult to support the War wholeheartedly."

"So you limited your assistance to money and material." Akagi replied. "That way the Gods couldn't accuse you of siding with the Spirits but it wouldn't result in you having anywhere near as much blood on your hands as if you'd send your armies to battle."

{I'm pleasantly suprised. I'd worried that every race in this world was led by fools, but it looks like the Dwarves bucked this trend quite nicely.} (Akagi)

{Indeed. Its nice to run into people who aren't idealogs or overconfident idiots.} (Yumi)

"As much as possible, tried to keep out of the war once it became apparent that the Gods were lying... We even took in whatever refugees would could smuggle out." Hezmal said his words catching Akagi off guard. She figured that none of the other races would taken in Spirits, even unofficially.

"You took in Spirits?" Akagi asked, annoyed that the Ninja hadn't found anything about this during their investigation.

{I'll get with Nima about finding them.}

(Yumi)

"We did, though sadly not as many as we'd like. They're being kept in a secure location, far below ground where no one would ever find them." Hezmal said, aware that Akagi was searching for them and subtly hinting that they could discuss that issue later. "But before we get off track, how about we discuss what it exactly is that you want and what you're offering us? From what I understand, you want to establish some kind of relationship with our people."

"Fair enough, and I suppose getting to business is for the best." Akagi said as she pulled out her Kiseru. "You mind?"

"Do as you'd like. We tend to smoke quite a bit during meetings anyway." Hezmal and the others chuckled as Akagi lit up and took a hit from her pipe.

"My offer is quite simple, I want an alliance." Akagi said her words causing some of the Council members' eyes to widen. "I have no interest in fighting the Dwarves, in fact, I actually have much to gain by garnering your cooperation."

{And now here comes the real fun.} (Akagi)

"And what exactly is it that you hope to gain from us?" Bogram asked, skeptical of Akagi's request. "I doubt you need military power nor would we offer it even if you did. We have no desire to be drawn into conflict with the rest of the world."

"I have no need for soldiers nor your military aid." Akagi laughed as she shook her head. "I am more than enough to handle such mundane things. No, what I want from an alliance would primarily be knowledge sharing." She said as she reached into her shadow and pulled out a sword that was engraved with an array of blue, glowing runes.

"Oh!" Minister Earthbraids gasped, nearly leaping out of his seat as his eyes scanned over the weapon. "That's!"

"I've always had a fascination with Runecrafting and this blade is an example of what my finest craftsmen have created after countless hours of toil." Akagi said internally noting that it was actually considered a failure by Imp due to its low stats. "I'm looking to augment our knowledge with your own, and I'm also happy for that relationship to go in reverse if need be." She said as she set the blade on the table. "There are other things that I'm interested in beyond Runecrafting, so I think we could have a productive relationship. Wouldn't you agree?"

"I... I can scantly imagine the time and effort that went into creating something like that." Minister Earthbraids stammered for a moment before composing himself. As Minister of Infrastructure the Nation's Runecrafting was under his direct purview and the old Dwarf was once a fine Smith himself. He understood just how powerful the blade in front of him was, at least to the people of this world, and was eager to find out how Akagi had crafted it.

"It's highly unusual for other races to take an interest in Runecrafting, especially with the rise of Enchanting." Hezmal noted that most Adventurers preferred Enchanted weapons since they were cheaper and easier to produce. "I suppose we could come to a research and development agreement... However, the main issue facing us would be the consequences of any cooperation between us and you."

"We'd be wiped out by the rest of the world if they learned we even had this converstation." Bogram said, bluntly. "You're the Gods' enemy. If word got out of this meeting our people would be given the same treatment as the Dark Elves and the Spirits."

"True, but do you really have a choice?" Akagi asked as she let out a puff. "As I said before, the Gods are incapable of saving your people. Enoris is destined to collapse and that will guarantee your people's destruction. I'm more than willing to offer all of Dwarvenkind a home in my world." Her words again caught the Council off guard. "You would be free to reestablish your Nation there, unmolested by the Gods and their whims."

"And you're just offering that?" Hezmal asked, skeptical. "What's the catch?"

{There's always a catch. Demons don't offer anything for free and as any Dwarf knows gold that glimmers too brightly is coated in poison.} (Hezmal)

"Part of the deal will involve an alliance and joint research agreements and exchanges, but yes." Akagi nodded. "The Dwarves are free to move to Omara and establish a new home. I will not interfere with your internal politics and you will maintain total independence from me. After all, I wouldn't be offering you an alliance if I wanted you under my direct control, would I? If wanted to destroy or enslave your people there would be no reason for this conversation since I could easily accomplish such a trivial thing."

The Dwarves knew she was right, and hesitated to rebuke her. Akagi's offer was far too good to pass up, and the Council knew it. If their people could be saved and they got access to Akagi's knowledge then there was no reason to decline. However, just because it was an objectively good deal did not mean that it was an easy one to agree to.

"We will take your offer under advisement." Hezmal said, sweat forming on his brow. "Please forgive us for not being able to answer you at this exact moment, as this will require much discussion as I'm sure you understand."

"That's fine. Take as much time as you need, though the longer you dither on the matter the closer this world gets to destruction." Akagi smirked. "And the closer those monsters get to the Capital."

"So you're aware of our predicament?" Bogram said with a sigh. "We'd hoped to keep that information a secret from you, but I suppose that wasn't going to happen."

"My intelligence network is second to none and there's little one can do to hide things from me." Akagi said, proud of her people but also internally vowing to make them do even better. "They've told me that all kinds of nasty creatures have been smashing their way through your cities and that countless lives have been lost. Please allow me to express my most sincere condolences." She said, bowing slightly as she put a hand over her nonexistent heart.

"W-We appreciate that." Hezmal thanked her for her kindness. "It's been a trying time for our people, and there is much unease about the situation."

"Trying doesn't even begin to describe how bad it's been." Bogram grumbled in a low voice

"Oi, Bogram!" Earthbraids scolded him for making such a statement in front of their guest since it would make them look weak.

"What? Do you want me to lie?" Bogram laughed. "It's clear as day that she understands just how bad our position is and you know that I'm not one to sugarcoat things. These creatures are overwhelming us, even with the Dawn Order's help. At the rate things are going I cannot guarantee the safety of the Capital."

"Only because you've withdrawn our forces from the advance fortifications and gave up Fort Grugnal without a fight!" Minister Sapphirebringe yelled back.

"I don't need a bean counter telling me how to wage war!" Bogram nearly leapt over the table in anger.

"Gentlemen!" Hezmal yelled, causing the two arguing Dwarves to stop. "Are you forgetting that we are conducting negotiations with our guest here? I don't care if you fight among yourselves but do it after our discussions have concluded.” He said before lowering his head to Akagi. “Please forgive their arguing, Lady Akagi. While there is much anxiety about the situation, This is neither the time nor place for such things and I'm sorry you had to see that."

"It's not a problem, and I suppose it's really my fault for bringing up the military situation." Akagi gave a fake apologetic smile as she waived off his concerns. "But you know if you'd be open to the idea I could handle these monsters for you. Think of it as a show of good faith in hopes of proving my sincerity for forming an alliance. Dealing with such creatures would be child's play."

{Bait dangled, now let's see if they bite.} (Akagi)

"I..." Herzmal didn't know how to respond, but before he could put together his thoughts the door to the conference room burst open as a certain bunny-eared girl rocketed in at high speed and landed in the middle of the table.

"Well, well, well..." Camilla said as she pulled her giant pair of scissors from her back and pointed them at Akagi. "What do we have here?" She smirked as the bunny and Demon locked eyes.