Chapter 855: Snap
The Emperor stood up with difficulty, keeping his gaze on the Psyker. His face, marked by years of leadership and sacrifice, displayed an unwavering determination. He knew he had to win Kaizen's trust in order to achieve his goals.
"Psyker," began the Emperor, his voice resonating in the now calmer room. "I know that our paths may seem divergent at first glance, but the truth is that our races have faced similar challenges during our history. Dark elves were marginalized and misunderstood for centuries, as were humans, who were treated as weaker scum than orcs.
We both carry the burden of unfounded prejudices and suspicions created by the elves."
Kaizen, still cautious, listened attentively to the Emperor's words. He noticed a change in the Mist leader's posture, a mixture of sincerity and determination that aroused his curiosity.
"What do you propose, Emperor?" asked Kaizen, his voice echoing a slight skepticism.
The Emperor took a deep breath before continuing. "I propose a partnership. An alliance that benefits both our races. You, Psyker, possess unique abilities that can be invaluable to us. In return, I offer what you seek in Niflheim."
Kaizen arched an eyebrow, intrigued by the bold offer.
"You're asking me to help in your future war, aren't you?" asked Kaizen, incredulous.
The old elf clasped his hands together and nodded positively.
Kaizen's eyes traveled over the Emperor's features, looking for signs of sincerity, of manipulation, of anything that might guide his next decision.
For his part, the Emperor remained serene, but his eyes revealed the intensity of his determination and the weight of his sacrifices.
"I see what you're getting at, elf. Indeed, you have a lot to offer," Kaizen admitted, with a note of respect in his voice. "But an alliance between us is not something that can be decided lightly. There are many issues to be considered."
The Emperor nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He knew that Kaizen's trust would not be won easily, especially after revealing a pact with a demonic entity.
"I understand your hesitation," began the Emperor, choosing his words carefully, "but what do you want in return for your cooperation, Psyker? I am willing to offer you anything in my power."
Kaizen frowned thoughtfully. He hadn't expected the Emperor to be so direct in his intentions to form an alliance. However, he also recognized that the proposal could be advantageous for both of them, if handled correctly.
"What I want is simple," Kaizen declared, his voice echoing in the room. "I want to know where the God Týr is. I know that he has gone into exile in Nilfheim. This is a small world, but the number of hiding places seems inexhaustible, so I don't want to waste too much time searching on my own.
On the other hand, the famous dark elves conquered these lands, they must also have explored every cave in these mountains over the last three centuries. I thought you should be the right people for me to ask about it."
The expression on the Mist Emperor's face closed unexpectedly.
The Emperor swallowed, feeling the weight of Kaizen's words. He knew that the matter of the Týr God was delicate and dangerous, something that could not be discussed easily.
However, the determination in the Psyker's eyes indicated that he would not give up easily.
"Psyker, understand that the subject you touch on is... complex," began the Emperor, choosing each word carefully. "The gods should not be treated as pawns in our earthly disputes. They are beings beyond our comprehension, and interfering in their affairs can have unpredictable consequences."
Kaizen crossed his arms, his piercing gaze fixed on the Emperor. "I'm not interested in your philosophies or fears. I want concrete answers. Where is the God Týr? If you can't or won't tell me, I can find other ways to get that information."
The Emperor sighed, feeling the pressure mounting. "You don't understand. Seeking the God Týr is like playing with fire. He is a powerful entity, the God of War. Meddling in his affairs could bring destruction to us all."
Kaizen frowned, looking impatient. "You don't understand, my intention was never to take this information peacefully from you, let alone create an alliance. I don't care about your fears. If you won't cooperate, then we'll have to go by other means. Perhaps a little persuasion might help you remember where the God Týr is."
The Emperor raised his hands, picking up on the threat implicit in the Psyker's words. "Psyker, you don't want to put yourself on this path. Violence will only lead to more suffering."
Kaizen took a step forward, his expression becoming more somber. "I don't care about the suffering of your men. Now, tell me, Emperor, where is the God Týr?"
The Emperor took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "I can't tell you. I can't risk the fragile balance we maintain with the gods. If you seek out this information, you'll be putting not only your life at risk, but the lives of everyone around you."
Kaizen seemed to consider the Emperor's words for a moment, but then his expression hardened again. "Your words don't convince me. If you won't cooperate voluntarily, I'll have to use other methods."
The Emperor stood up, his gaze firm, and waved his hands, causing a grimoire to appear at his side. "If you insist on this path, I will have to stop you."
Kaizen didn't back down in the face of the Emperor's threat. "You speak of consequences, Emperor, but I speak of power. I need to find the God Týr and I need him to tell me something."
"You're a determined man, Psyker, that's undeniable. But the path you've chosen is too dangerous. There are forces that not even we, with all our power, can control."
Kaizen gave a wry smile. "Control is an illusion, Emperor. Just like the power you think you have..."
Then Kaizen snapped his fingers and the Emperor was immediately drawn to him. Kaizen held him by the neck with one hand and said:
"Do you understand that now?"