Roy took a steadying breath, eyes narrowing in thought. Takara stepped quietly to his side, gently nudging him.
"You know, Captain," she said softly, "it might help the effect if we add some sound. Something loud, eerie. Like a klaxon, or maybe even an apocalyptic Trumpet?"
Roy raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the idea. "Apocalyptic Trumpet? You're feeling dramatic today."
Takara shrugged, suppressing a smirk. "You're the one who called your nuclear bomb 'Starshard Cataclysm.' Just fitting the theme."
Roy sighed in reluctant agreement, turning to Serenity. "I panicked! It was the first thing I could think of! Just…do the trumpets already."
Serenity quickly manipulated the controls, and within seconds, a deep, resounding tone echoed throughout every street and square of the Kaigun Dominion, an otherworldly hum reverberating ominously. Tens of thousands of civilians paused, gazes lifting fearfully toward the sky, hearts seizing with dread.
Stepping closer to the microphone, Roy leaned in, lowering his voice to a sinister whisper that rippled through every speaker drone in the Dominion, sending chills down the spines of those listening. "Are you ready? It's almost here... almost… it's coming…get ready…"
Takara visibly cringed from her position off to the side, squeezing her eyes shut, embarrassed on Roy's behalf. Roy pulled back from the microphone, breath slightly uneven, eyes scanning his crew's reactions. Warrex immediately erupted into enthusiastic applause, a wide, delighted grin plastered on his face.
Roy cleared his throat awkwardly, turning quickly back toward the live feed coming from the Presidroid positioned atop the Daigensui's palace. His eyes widened slightly when, from behind one of the massive doors, a young boy emerged, running frantically toward the Daigensui.
"Wait... he's got a kid?" Roy whispered softly, confused. He glanced urgently toward Lutrian, who quickly shook his head.
"No records of any heirs or children, nor does he employ any staff or servants," Lutrian confirmed. "This is unexpected."
Roy was still processing this revelation when Serenity's urgent voice filled the studio speakers. "Captain, something's off, missile guidance is malfunctioning. Finish your speech before it's too late."
"Quickly landing all drones," Harmony chirped.
Roy quickly turned to the mic. "Now," he paused, savoring the silence. "Nuclear Magic…," Then, abruptly, he shouted, "Starshard Cataclysm!"
Roy flushed slightly, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. He glanced toward Eryndra, whose eyes shone with admiration, an impressed smile on her lips. His relief faltered, however, when he saw Takara and Zehrina exchanging pained, mortified looks of disbelief.
"I wish I never knew him," Takara muttered, shaking her head.
On-screen, the missile began wobbling wildly in midair before abruptly detonating, a massive fireball erupting, turning the night sky momentarily into blazing daylight. A powerful shockwave surged forth, shaking the palace violently. The Daigensui's young son was flung backward by the force, tumbling helplessly toward a sharp, intricately carved stone sculpture behind him.
Without hesitation, the Presidroid lunged forward, swiftly catching the child mid-air. The Daigensui's eyes flicked briefly to the Presidroid and his rescued son, unreadable but clearly thoughtful.
"Now that's a performance!" Warrex cheered loudly. "Spectacular!"
Back in the auditorium, an unsettled murmur ran through the assembled crowds, council members, classmates, and residents alike. Takara quickly spoke up, feigning anxiety as planned. "Captain, diagnostics confirm a sensor malfunction caused premature detonation. Should we send another missile?"
Roy shook his head firmly, voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "No need. I anticipated potential complications. I've got a backup plan. Just let me think for a moment."
He gestured discreetly to Serenity, signaling to resume the broadcast. Instantly, the projection canvas flashed back to life, Roy's expression shifting seamlessly back into arrogant amusement.
"Well, well, well," Roy said, voice dripping with elegant contempt. "How fortunate for you! The Nightshatter itself wants me to give you another chance to change your mind. Tell me, Daigensui, did you ever imagine you'd witness power as fearsome as my nuclear magic? Is this the strength you anticipated from me?'"
On the feed, the Presidroid carefully placed the shaken child down, stepping respectfully away. Roy noticed the Daigensui's calculating eyes linger momentarily on this gesture.
Suddenly, Warrex's voice crackled privately in Roy's comm. "Roy, listen carefully. Use the child. He clearly wants his existence hidden. A ruler as powerful as the Daigensui doesn't hide heirs without reason. Threaten exposure; he'll fold immediately."
Roy clenched his jaw, stomach twisting with moral unease, but understood the strategic necessity. He refocused his attention, staring straight into the camera drones as the broadcast continued.
"Don't dawdle now," Roy said coldly, voice sharp with authority. "Time is short, and my patience thinner still. Wait, you know what? Never mind. I've got something special in store. Allow me to demonstrate another form of nuclear magic, perhaps more suitable to your tastes."
With a wave of his hand, Serenity swiftly redirected several camera drones, shifting the projection to a distant expanse of the massive lake surrounding the Dominion. Roy glanced briefly back toward the council and residents watching him uncertainly.
"Just in case," Roy explained casually, "I prepared a backup, something your Dominion defenses can't possibly prevent."
He turned dramatically back toward the cameras, voice resonant and mocking. "If you found the Starshard Cataclysm frightening, I invite you now to witness something even grander. This one..." He paused dramatically. "Let's call it the Worldsplitting Calamity."
Instantly, beneath the surface of the great lake, a titanic underwater nuclear explosion erupted. A gigantic column of water roared skyward, rising tens of thousands of feet into the air, casting the Dominion once more into a terrified uproar. Buildings on the non-floating islands shook, glass shattered, and countless civilians screamed as the enormous column crashed back down, sending powerful waves surging toward the city shores.
Roy briefly held his breath in concern as massive, protective magical wards shimmered to life around the islands, successfully dispersing the tsunami's destructive force. Relief flickered across his features for just a moment.
The Daigensui's son openly sobbed in fright, clinging desperately to his father. Roy winced inwardly at the sight but immediately steeled his expression once more.
Returning to the broadcast, Roy allowed a wicked grin to spread slowly across his face. "To give you perspective, Daigensui, that demonstration was merely a fraction, a mere tenth of the power behind the Starshard Cataclysm. Imagine the strength magnified tenfold. Your bones would rattle apart."
Roy leaned forward slightly, his tone dangerously subtle now. "So tell me, Daigensui... For the sake of your son, excuse me, I mean your sons, the citizens of the Dominion, of course. Wouldn't it be wise to consider a truce? Think carefully, I'll be back shortly."
Roy raised a hand, casually signaling Serenity to cut the broadcast. The image disappeared, and the auditorium once again fell into stunned silence.
Roy exhaled deeply, fighting to steady himself as he felt the weight of the theatrics pressing upon him. "Alright," he said softly, glancing over at the grim faces of Takara and Zehrina, the proud admiration of Warrex and Eryndra. "Let's see what he decides."
Roy hurried toward the production room, weaving swiftly through the gathered crowd. Scattered applause greeted him, though several faces revealed uneasy hesitation or outright fear. As he passed, a whisper reached his ears.
"Is this who he really is?"
A skeptical scoff immediately replied. "Are you kidding? Roy? He's the softest guy around. Seriously, one time I saw him trip, he scraped his knee and I swear his eyes started welling up."
Another voice cut in, uncertain. "But still… that performance was breathtaking, yeah, but are we really sure it was just a performance?"
Roy quickened his pace, shaking his head as he left the whispers behind.
He dropped into a chair at one of the terminals, letting out a long exhale as he glanced over the screens. "Alright, looks like that went about as well as we could hope."
He toggled through several drone feeds, pointing to one in particular that showed a diagram beneath the lake. "The dwarves managed to tunnel under and plant the second nuke right here."
Warrex folded his arms, a smirk spreading across his face. "A non-lethal back up plan? So, you never actually intended to blow up the city directly in the first place. Sneaky bastard."
Lutrian's expression shifted, his gaze softening with remorse. "Roy, I owe you an apology. I accused you of changing, of becoming cruel. Clearly, I misjudged."
Roy shrugged, smiling slightly. "No harm done. I appreciate you saying it, though."
Harmony put up a bar on a side display that displayed Roy's mana level. "Creating and controlling all those drones, the nuke, and everything in between took a large chunk of your mana, roughly three percent. It's hard to determine exact mana levels but based on multiple factors such as light levels and reactor output that's my guess."
Before the conversation could continue, Serenity's calm voice interjected through the speakers. "Captain, the Daigensui is ready to speak."
Roy nodded, straightening slightly as the screen shifted to reveal the imposing figure of the Kaigun leader once again. Roy met his gaze confidently. "This channel is secure, just you, me, and my crew."
The Daigensui arched an eyebrow skeptically. "And how exactly can I be sure of that?"
Roy leaned forward slightly. "You'll just have to trust me. If I'd wanted your empire ruined, I could've made that happen already." He gestured toward the screen. "But if it helps ease your worries..."
On cue, all of Roy's remaining drones rose into the air, clustering tightly before streaming out over the distant lake. A moment later, the remotely-piloted jet unleashed a barrage of missiles into the swarm, destroying most of the drones, their wreckage falling harmlessly into the water.
Roy leaned back, folding his hands casually behind his head. "Better?"
The Daigensui chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "Not particularly, but your point is well-made. Tell me clearly: what are your terms?"
Roy spread his hands openly. "Exactly as I said. You don't attack us, and we don't attack you. A truce."
The Daigensui's expression softened into a genuine smile, breaking the tension. "You can drop the act now, Captain. Honestly, it wasn't particularly convincing."
Roy relaxed visibly, letting the dramatic facade fall away. "Acting, huh? Let's not forget I'm not the only one putting on a performance, right, Mister 'I Don't Have a Son'?"
The Daigensui let out a deep, genuine laugh, clearly amused. "Fair enough, Captain."
Roy's grin widened. "Look, to prove there are no hard feelings, we have a helicopter standing by with supplies and instructions to help anyone who might've been injured by the blast."
"So, you really had no intention of making this lethal," the Daigensui observed, eyes narrowing playfully. "Very clever."
Roy gave a sheepish shrug. "Guilty as charged."
The Daigensui tilted his head thoughtfully. "To be honest, I had my suspicions. From the moment your projection began, you didn't strike me as the ruthless conqueror your reputation claims. Your eyes, they lack even a hint of genuine hate."
Roy chuckled softly, nodding. "You've got me figured out already. Listen, you're welcome to visit Otherrealm anytime. We'll host a party to officially announce our truce. Bring your family, if you have any other hidden ones, your son and anyone else."
The Daigensui's smile deepened warmly. "Very well. Perhaps in a month?"
Roy flashed a playful grin. "We'll roll out the red carpet. I can't promise it'll be as grand or magical as your city, but our food is definitely better."
The Daigensui's eye twitched slightly, pride momentarily wounded. "I'll be the judge of that."
Roy laughed easily. "Trust me, you'll like it. And I promise, our city smells better too. I'd bet good gold your whole empire smells like butt."
The Daigensui barked out a surprised laugh, shaking his head incredulously. "I assume your bathhouses are meticulously maintained?"
"Better than that," Roy countered smugly. "We all have private baths."
"How very advanced," the Daigensui mused, visibly impressed.
Roy leaned closer conspiratorially. "Look, I'll even set aside a house for you. You're welcome to mingle with the people. Just don't cause any trouble, don't even stare at anyone's butt as they walk by. That's a war crime."
The Daigensui laughed heartily again, nodding appreciatively. "Understood, Captain Gunn. Are we finished here?"
Roy nodded, smiling warmly. "See you when I see you."
As Serenity cut the feed, Roy leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "Man, I really like that guy."
Takara raised an eyebrow skeptically. "That's just because you kept making him laugh."
Roy shook his head, grinning. "No, seriously, we had… a connection."
Takara rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Roy."
Before Roy could respond, the Daigensui's uncertain voice crackled suddenly through the speakers—the Presidroid still broadcasting audio from the palace. "So, um...is that it? Do you just...leave now, or...?"
There was a pause before the Presidroid answered calmly, "Yes. I believe we're finished."
"Oh, good," the Daigensui continued awkwardly. "Well, before you go, I wanted to say you look extraordinarily cool, your design and choice of clothing is utterly magnificent."
Roy slammed a hand triumphantly onto the table, pointing at Takara. "See!? What did I tell you? This guy is awesome!"