Dimension System - Chapter 100

[Zanir]

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Dawn rose over the desolate battlefield. It was the incessant cawing of carrion birds that roused me from my slumber. The early bird gets the worm, or in this case the leftover bits. Begrudgingly, I left my simple tent to face the complicated task ahead.

As I approached the medical tents, I could see that a solemn feeling had engulfed the war camp. Many of the surrounding soldiers were grim and quiet, which was understandable as they’d lost many friends and allies during the battle. When I finally reached my destination, I could plainly see that the heavy losses had taken their toll.

Already reaching a crowding point, the beds were almost occupied to capacity. The officer in charge of treating the wounded approached me. I could see the fatigue in his face, as he’d probably been up the entire night directing the medical staff. Taking a moment to set down the notes he was holding, he took a deep sigh before addressing me.

“The others brought back many injured troops after the battle. What happened to the soldiers you’ve taken?”

I answered the officer, hoping to help alleviate some of the pressure he was under.

“They’re currently in a suspended state, recovering their vitals. I came over to return them to your care but it looks like you have your hands full?”

He answered truthfully, the care and stress in his voice was apparent.

“You could say that again, we’re doing everything we can to save them! How long can they be suspended? How are their vitals?”

I’d wanted to drop off the injured, however, looking around at the already scrambling doctors caused me to reconsider. If I brought them out now, many of the troops would surely perish before they get proper care.

“From my understanding, the suspension merely maintains there current status. The people I work for said that it can maintained indefinitely. The injuries will still need to be treated, however, we can buy you much needed time to free up your staff.”

Relieved, the chief medical officer hastily scribbled down a note, instructing me to bring it to general Maximus. With many of the injured held in suspension, they could focus on saving the rest of the troops who had been injured. Once that was done, I could bring out the rest in an orderly fashion.

Heading directly to the general’s tent, I was allowed entry immediately. The same commanding officers were present, along with the general himself. All them were eager to learn what I’d done with their troops, so I had to repeat the same explanation that I gave the medical officer. I also passed along the note he’d given, which reinforced the explanation.

Each of the commanders gave me a salute, genuinely thankful for stabilizing their men’s condition. I also told them that the corpses had been preserved and cleaned, in preparation for proper burials. Thankful for such a kind act, everyone took a moment of silence to pay their respects for the fallen.

After the silence, I asked what should be done with the Tellis troops.

“I’m not sure if this is the right time to bring this up.. but some of the soldiers were from the Tellis empire. Any thoughts?”

Shaken from their solace, it took a moment for them to respond. It was the general himself who spoke up.

“I think that we should allow them to have a proper burial. Every empire reveres the troops who sacrifice their lives in battle. It’s one of the few things that everyone holds sacred.”

The general assured me that things would go well, however, I still had my doubts. After all, one could never be too cautious. The Tellis army may very well consider me an enemy combatant. Relying solely on diplomatic courtesy would be leaving too much up someone else. On the other hand, asking for an Iskarii escort would bring in people who might simply become liabilities.

It seemed that the safest thing to do, would be to go in by myself. If they tried to capture me, I’d be able to absorb any kind of shackles or restraints, and simply tunnel out. Even in the worst case scenario, I’d be able to hop into my spatial world to buy some time. Having briefly thought it over, I excused myself from the general’s tent.

After politely turning down their request to send troops for my safety, citing my spatial mage powers, I began to approach the Tellis side of the battlefield. Without my usual guards, I was on high alert and had the system set to scan for any ambushes. When the guards noticed me approaching, they called out for me to stop.

A lone messenger was sent out on some kind of equine creature, one that I was unfamiliar with. It must have come from the Tellis empire, as I’d not seen or heard of it before. Stopping around ten paces away, the messenger dismounted and slowly approached me to talk.

“You’ve come from the other side, unarmed and alone? You’re either a few animals short of a flock, or not involved with the war. State your business!”

Relieved that I wasn’t immediately attacked, I explained my purpose for coming over. Pointing to the spatial mage badge that was pinned to my tailored jacket.

“Working for the spatial mages, as a neutral third party. I’ve come to deliver the injured and deceased from your side, if the Tellis empire is willing to pay for them?”

The look on the messenger’s face revealed that such a decision was above his pay grade.

“Ah, well that does explain things, however, that decision is not mine to make. You understand that I’ll have to ask the higher-ups?”

It was to be expected.

“That’s fine. Do you guys want me to stay here, or…?”

When I stretched out the end of my question in a crescendo, he got the point I was trying to make.

“Oh, sorry about that! Come with me to the camp. You can wait by the fire.”

Waving his arm for me to follow, we entered the Tellis camp, as the troops guarding the entrance lowered their bows and went back to standing guard. I was escorted to a nearby campfire, where the mood was similar to what I’d seen on the other side. Grim soldiers sat around with no small talk, halfheartedly picking at their food.

It only took a few moments for one of their commanders to come speak with me, joined by a member of the medical team. They brought me to a small tent nearby, where we could negotiate terms and conditions. The medical officer spoke first, inquiring about the troops’ status.

“What condition are the troops in? How many are talking about? Lastly, how long do we have to decide?”

I gave the same answers that I’d previously given.

“They’re in stasis, so that their condition won’t deteriorate or improve at the moment. Here is a summary of the exact numbers and injuries. They can be released according to your medical capacity. They can be suspended until we come to an agreement.”

While the medical officer reviewed the information, the commander spoke out to negotiate pricing and terms for the deceased corpses.

“How much would you charge us for this services?”

It was obvious that they were expecting me to charge an exorbitant amount. Making a few extra coins didn’t seem worth the potential enmity and problems it might create.

“Standard rate for retrieval of injured and deceased. I don’t see a reason to try extorting either side of a bitter battle.”

Pleased with my response, the commander quickly agreed to the terms.

“We’re thankful to you for this kindness. I have enough authority to accept these terms. I’ll be leaving to report this directly to the general. Please work with the medical officer to coordinate where to leave the troops.”

True to his word, the commander left the tent. As the medical officer finished reviewing the list of injured troops, he addressed me.

“These numbers match up with how many were reported missing after the battle. Follow me to the medical beds. We’ll set the injured first, then take care of the dead, if that’s alright with you?”

I was curious as to how they’d handle so many injured, while the Iskarii needed more time.

“Are you sure that you have the capacity for them? I don’t want to rush your staff.”

He answered my question and clarified, while we made our way to their medical section.

“Yes, unlike the Iskarii empire, our nation of Tellis is primarily founded on militarism. Not only do we have a larger medical staff, our technology and equipment are both far superior.”

When we arrived, I saw that his bragging was correct. Having experienced more wars, they were able to more accurately predict how many tents were needed. The herbs, salves, and potions they were using all appeared to be of higher quality than I’d seen the Iskarii using. It was also apparent that they’d invested more, as the implements used were a bit more modern looking.

Going through the list, I followed the medical officer and used my ghost dragon hand to deposit the injured. The nearby staff worked in shifts, immediately jumping in to work on the most severe injuries which required surgery. Working out way through, the lesser injured were deposited into medical tents for supervision.

Eventually, all of the wounded had been deposited, and we made our way to an area of the camp filled with open coffins. Carefully and respectfully, the corpses of the deceased were placed within. Once everything was taken care of, I was led back to a small tent, where I was told to wait. The soldiers around the camp had heard what I’d done, with many stopping by the tent to offer a brief thanks.

Around fifteen minutes later, an escorted wagon was brought over, with several chests full of gold coins. The soldiers guarding the wagon informed me that it was my payment, providing a receipt which detailed the transaction. Using my ghost dragon hand to absorb the wagon, I was able to instantly tally up the gold coins. With everything in order, I thanked the guards and proceeded to head back to the Iskarii side.

Arriving back at the other side, I found that many of the wounded had been treated while I was dropping off the Tellis troops. Enough space had finally been cleared out, so I was able to drop off the Iskarii injured. When they had reached capacity, I alternated to dropping off the deceased. By staggering the delivery, I was able to finally offload all of them.

With another wagon of gold for payment, my wealth increased yet again. I’d also received payment for the transport of goods, so it was doubly rewarding! I finally had enough gold to accomplish one of the main things I’d been intending on, establishing a city of own. As I was preparing to head back to the spatial mage headquarters, general Maximus requested my presence.

Entering his tent, I greeted the general, curious as to what he would want.

“General, you requested my presence?”

He proceeded to hand me a rolled up scroll.

“This came in for you. You should probably read it.”

Unfurling the scroll, I read over it’s contents. It was an imperial summons from the emperor. According to the summons, he wanted to meet with me and had invited me to visit the capital.

“It’s a summons from the emperor.”

Unfazed, the general replied.

“I expected as much from the imperial seal. He most likely wants to extend thanks for your assistance. Without your timely supplies, we would have suffered gravely against the superior Tellis army.”

I thanked the general and excused myself.

“Thank you for delivering the message. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way to the capital.”

The general shook my hand and thanked me for my service. After leaving his tent, I headed toward the portal back to the spatial mage headquarters. From there, I was able to quickly make my to the imperial capital Iskarii. Inside the residence on the other side, a well-dressed servant was waiting with the spatial mages.

Upon my arrival, he stood and introduced himself as a palace servant. He’d been expecting my arrival and was instructed to escort me to the imperial palace. As we exited the residence, several palace guards in shiny armor brought us to a wagon that was waiting nearby. The imperial crest was featured prominently on the wagon.

Traveling through the city, we reached an opulent palace and were escorted inside. Due to the owner’s prestigious status, it was the grandest building I’d seen so far. Exquisite materials were commonplace, matched together with the finest decorations. It seemed that no expense had been spared, as an emperor’s palace was a reflection of the nation’s economic status.

Making our way through the grand entrances and foyer, I was led directly into the reception hall, where the imperial family was waiting for my arrival. The emperor, empress, and the heirs were all seated at a grand table, along with various royal advisors. Their light discussion ceased once we entered. The servant who was escorting me stepped forward to announce my arrival.

“Presenting sir Zanir Coffey!”

Drawing upon my understanding of royal etiquette, I took a bow to show respect to the emperor.

“Please rise, I’ve summoned you here after all. Join us at the table.”

Rising up, I took a seat at the far side of the table. The emperor continued.

“My spies have told me many interesting things about you. I’ve been quite curious and have wanted to meet you for some time.”

It was a given that the emperor would know what went on inside his own borders. I decided to test the water and see what he wanted from me.

“What would you like to know, your majesty?”

Smiling, the emperor gave his response.

“I’ve heard several interesting rumors lately. Some about a merchant, who appeared seemingly out of nowhere, selling very high quality produce. Animals of exquisite stock and discipline. An iron mine disappearing into thin air. The Rangers clearing out a few restricted zones. Even the kingdom of Ishtar thwarting an untimely beetle invasion. I’m curious to know the truth.”

A diplomatic response was probably best. It seemed like he already knew the extent of my involvement and wanted confirmation.

“I am the one responsible for those events. It seems you already knew that, however.”

With his question answered, the emperor continued.

“Indeed, I did. Those matters are but a trifle. My intention of summoning you here, is to thank you for aiding us against the Tellis empire. I’d like to offer you a reward. Simply tell me what you’d like, as long as it’s within my power, of course.”

This was what I was waiting for. Many would ask for a noble title or treasure. The emperor would be able to draw me closer to his empire. Instead, I shocked everyone present.

“I want the rights to establish a trading city, in the impassable Axiom mountains to the west.”

Clearly, it wasn’t what he was expecting me to ask for.

“What! The region is treacherous and impossible to settle. Many attempts have been made throughout the centuries, only to end in failure and ruin. Are you sure that is truly what you want?”

I explained myself.

“The area above ground is unclaimed by any empire. The only denizens are the Dwarf clan below ground, according to the information I’ve studied. With my spatial magic, I can clear enough of the mountains to establish a trading outpost.”

Rubbing his chin, the emperor pondered while I continued.

“The economic benefits for your empire will be many. Not only will this open up additional trade with the Dwarves, it will allow the creation of a secure overland trade route to the western empires. As I understand, the current trade to those nations is done through arduous and extensive sea routes?”

The emperor confirmed my question.

“Yes, due to the impassable mountains, all trade to the western nations is done by ocean travel. If what you say can truly be accomplished, the economic impact will usher in a golden era of prosperity. However, I’d have to discuss such an important decision with my advisors.”

It was time to bring out my ace in the hole.

“Perhaps I could offer something as a gesture of goodwill? Something to solidify our relations and accelerate the process?”

Intrigued, the empress asked what I meant.

“What exactly are you referring to? Surely, we want for nothing?”

Smiling a grin of my own, I answered her question.

“A certain banner, bearing your imperial crest. Surely, you’d be interested in having it back?”

The emperor had unexpectedly knocked over his drinking chalice, when he heard what I said. Waving away the staff who tried to clean the table, he rose up out of his seat, approaching me directly.

“Please, let me see the banner. If it’s genuine, I’ll grant you’re request immediately!”

Using my ghost dragon hand, I summoned the Iskarii banner that Devil had found among the old shipwrecks. The moment that the emperor saw it, he snatched it up and started spinning around with it. Realizing that he’d lost his composure, he coughed twice before setting it back onto the table.

“This! I can’t believe you found it. My great-great-grandfather lost this banner hundreds of years ago, during a sea voyage. This is a priceless heirloom, long considered lost to the ocean. I must have it back, please! I’ll grant your request. Make a city in the mountains, build a fortress for all I care!”

It was obvious that the banner had great sentimental value to the Iskarii line. Otherwise, the emperor wouldn’t have reacted so strongly. I let him have it, as long as he agreed to our proposal.

“It’s yours, just get me an agreement in writing.”

Soon enough, the excited emperor had signed away establishment rights to the axiom mountains. I now had clearance to build a trading fortress inside the mountain region. With this, I’d be able to establish my own empire and carve out an accessible trade route to the western empires.

All I had to do now was clear out the monsters and beasts, get the permission of the Dwarves, and clear out some of the most inhospitable terrain on the planet.