The Conquerors Path

"So what's the plan first?"

Carmelia asked, standing beside me, her voice and facial features cold, while the other two, Nix and Melvin, took her sides. Both of their faces calm, but I can feel and tell the fear they hold towards me, something good that I can use. Right now, we are still in the cafe, the first step towards our adventure starting from now, though before that.

"Before we head out, I need to debrief you all on what's going to happen, the traveling, and the situation around this hidden tribe."

I spoke, taking a seat and pulling down the whole atmosphere, my sudden actions of getting back again making Carmelia frown, while the other two could only grit their teeth seeing the way that I was dealing with Carmel. But then again, what can they do? Thus sighing out, Carmelia took a seat, the same format going again as I placed a map on the table.

"The place we will be heading to will be the Silvie realm."

These sudden words of mine made Carmelia surprised as she asked back.

"The tribe is in the Silvie realm?"

Her face remained impassive as I nodded my head at her, the map before us displaying the basic information available about the realm with the two Empires of Eflan and the Orizon Empire, the two enormous places spread completely around that single continent. As I said before, that large area is divided into Kings which serve as countries with a King ruling over them but in the end, they answer right back to the main royal family.

"Our main actions begin at the Eflan Empire, we need to take quick fast actions in here. I have already spoken to the tribe, while they aren't happy about it they still owe me a favor so they will take us in."

I spoke to which Carmelia asked with a doubtful voice.

"Take us in? Shouldn't we just get the antidote and leave?"

Her words caused me to shake my head as I spoke.

"It's not as simple as that, they are a weird tribe with their own customs. With the favor that they owe me, we can get passage but to get the antidote that we need, we would need to finish one challenge they give us."

My words made the others frown seeing so I started to speak.

"Hence before we go through with this, I need to talk to you about the peculiarity and unique traditions of this tribe."

My words took in the focus of the three as I Started to speak. As I began to delve into the unique customs and peculiarities of the Zoxia tribe, Carmelia's expression shifted from one of skepticism to intrigue, while Nix and Melvin exchanged glances, clearly unsure of what to make of it all.

"First and foremost," I began, "the Zoxia tribe is unlike any other you've encountered. They're a matriarchy, led by a council of wise women who hold absolute authority within the community. Men in the tribe play a supporting role, tending to domestic tasks and childcare while the women make all major decisions."

Carmelia's eyebrows shot up in surprise, while Nix and Melvin seemed bemused by the reversal of traditional gender roles.

"But that's not all," I continued. "Their customs and challenges are... well, let's just say they're a bit unconventional."

I paused for dramatic effect before elaborating. "For instance, to gain passage through their lands and obtain the antidote we need, we must first complete a series of absurd challenges. These challenges range from solving riddles spoken only in rhymes to dancing blindfolded on hot coals while reciting ancient poetry."

Carmelia couldn't suppress a weird glance at the absurdity of it all, while Nix and Melvin exchanged nervous glances.

"And let's not forget about their unique demon companions," I added, gesturing to the map where I had marked the territory of the Zoxia tribe. "The Zoxians have formed a symbiotic relationship with a peculiar species of demon called the Lumiths. These demons are small, glowing creatures with iridescent wings and mischievous personalities. They serve as guides and protectors to the tribe, but they also have a penchant for playing pranks on unsuspecting travelers."

At this, Nix and Melvin's eyes widened with a mixture of fascination and trepidation.

"In short," I concluded, "our journey to the Silvie realm and encounter with the Zoxia tribe will be like nothing you've ever experienced before. But if we can navigate their eccentricities and complete their challenges, we'll have the antidote in hand before we know it."

I could sense the mix of emotions swirling within the ones in front of me—Carmelia's skepticism tempered by curiosity, Nix and Melvin's nervousness. They were about to embark on a journey unlike any other, into the heart of the Silvie realm where the Zoxia tribe dwelled, a place they don't know shit about, with me who doesn't like them as the guide, heck there's no worse way than that.

With a deep breath, I delved further into the intricacies of the Zoxian customs, eager to paint a vivid picture of what lay ahead for us.

"The Zoxia tribe," I began, "is currently nestled deep within the Silvie realm, a place teeming with certain chaotic energy and inhabited by a myriad of different beasts, the spatial components there are messy, that's why we can't just teleport there."

I paused, letting the weight of my words sink in as I observed the reactions of my 'companions'.

"As I mentioned earlier, the Zoxians are a matriarchal society," I continued. "Their council of wise women, known as the Elders, hold sway over all aspects of tribal life. They are revered for their wisdom and insight, and their word is law."

Carmelia's eyes widened with interest, a glimmer of respect shining through her initial skepticism. Nix and Melvin exchanged a silent nod, silently acknowledging the gravity of the situation, they are fucked.

"But what truly sets the Zoxians apart are their customs and challenges," I declared, a hint of dispirited feel creeping into my voice. "They are unlike anything you've ever encountered."

I leaned in closer, drawing my 'companions' into the web of intrigue that surrounded the Zoxian tribe.

"To gain passage through their lands and secure the antidote we seek, we must first prove ourselves worthy by completing a series of trials," I explained. "These trials are designed to test not only our strength and skill but also our wit and cunning."

I watched as Carmelia leaned forward, her curiosity piqued by the prospect of these mysterious challenges. Nix and Melvin exchanged nervous glances, silently bracing themselves for what lay ahead.

"The first trial," I continued, "is a test of riddles—a verbal duel of wit and intellect. We must unravel the enigmatic clues presented to us by the Zoxian Elders, solving each riddle to unlock the next step of our journey, that just to get in."

A smile tugged at the corners of Carmelia's lips, her mind already racing with the possibilities, the free spirit wishing for adventure boiling in. Nix and Melvin exchanged a nervous glance, their apprehension tempered by determination.

"But that's just the beginning," I said, my voice dropping to a hushed whisper. "The Zoxians are known for their love of spectacle and drama. The subsequent trials will push us to our limits, testing our resolve and resourcefulness in ways we never thought possible."

I could see the flicker of uncertainty in Carmelia's eyes, but beneath it lay a glimmer of excitement—a thirst for adventure growing stronger. Nix and Melvin exchanged a silent nod, the two rivals seemingly coming together to deal with the shit coming their way.

As our discussion delved deeper into the realm of the Zoxian tribe and the challenges that lay ahead, it became evident that understanding the land structure and navigating its intricacies would be crucial to our success. With that in mind, I turned my attention to explaining the terrain we would encounter, the paths we would take, and the precautions we needed to consider as we journeyed through the Silvie realm.

"The Lunaria Vale where the tribe lay is a land of contrasts," I began, my voice taking on a thoughtful tone. "From dense fried forests to rugged mountains, vast plains to winding blood-like rivers, it offers a diverse array of landscapes that will keep changing and challenge us."

I pointed to the map, tracing the routes we would likely take as we made our way towards the territory of the Zoxia tribe.

"Our journey will begin on the outskirts of the Eflan Empire, where we will traverse the dense forests that cloak the land," I explained. "These forests are home to all manner of creatures, from elusive forest spirits to ferocious beasts, and we must tread carefully to avoid attracting unwanted attention."

Carmelia nodded in understanding, her gaze flicking between the map and me as she absorbed the information. Nix and Melvin exchanged a silent glance once again, guess the two of them are getting along.

"As we venture further into the Lunaria Vale," I continued, "we will encounter the towering peaks of the Ebon Mountains, where treacherous passes and sheer cliffs will test our climbing skills and nerve."

I described the mountainous terrain in vivid detail—the jagged peaks that pierced the sky, the swirling mists that shrouded the higher elevations, and the hidden caves and crevices that harbored untold dangers.

"From there," I said, gesturing to the map, "our path will lead us across the rolling plains of the Lunaria Vale, where we must contend with blistering heat and scarce water sources."

"But perhaps the greatest challenge," I continued, "will be navigating the labyrinthine network of rivers and waterways that crisscross the Lunaria Vale."

I explained how the rivers were both a blessing and a curse—a source of life-sucking water and dried dead soil, a potential hazard if we were not careful.

"We must be vigilant," I warned, "for the currents are swift and unpredictable, and the waters teem with hidden dangers, from voracious river beasts to treacherous whirlpools."

As I spoke, I could see the gravity of our situation settling upon my 'companions', their expressions growing more serious with each passing moment.