Intermission 13 Page 2

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“Think about what we’ve seen at the two dungeons I directed us to.”

“One, a fortified Guard outpost, full of weapons, with evidence of ongoing golem manufacture.”

“Two, a research facility full of elemental creatures, being used to power those weapons and golems at the first location.”

“Both of them located near one another.”

“…And near something else, as well.”

“What, that old gate?”

“I asked Lohk about it, and she said there are a few of them around, but they’re all broken.”

“Broken, yes. But the elves were able to use one to depart this world, and ever since then the Emperor has bent his vast resources towards learning how they did it.”

“After many years, it seems he has been able to make this one operate, at least in a limited capacity.”

“That’s where all of those elementals came from. Including your new friend.”

“And judging by the military build up nearby, I’d say he was planning to go acquire some more.”

“But why?”

“Besides the resources he could gain, there is one very simple reason.”

“The Empire cannot persist without a war to fight.”