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Ethan, his eyes sharp and calculating, regarded his son with a mixture of intrigue and skepticism. "Ambition is a flame that can either illuminate or consume," he said, his tone even. "What fuels your sudden zeal, my son?"

Shark Head met his father's gaze, his own eyes a mirror of resolve. "The fragments, Father. They are the key to our ascension. If we can secure them, the Dono family will rise to heights unimagined."

Ethan rose from his chair, his silhouette framed by the flickering candlelight. "And how do you propose we obtain these fragments? They are well-guarded, coveted by many."

"With a gesture of peace towards the Naline Kingdom," Shark Head replied confidently. "A diplomatic visit could open doors that have been closed to us, allowing us to negotiate from a position of power."

Ethan circled his desk, approaching Shark Head with the stealth of a predator. "Peace is a means to an end," he mused. "But tell me, why should I trust this sudden insight of yours? You, who have always been content in the shadows, now step forward with a plan that could change our destiny."

Shark Head's expression remained unfazed, his resolve unshaken. "Because, Father, you have taught me to recognize opportunity. The Naline Kingdom is ripe for influence, and with your guidance, we can steer them towards a future that benefits us both."

Ethan paused, his mind racing with the possibilities. He had always harbored greater aspirations than the title of Duke, and Shark Head's plan aligned with his own hidden desires. Yet, his trust was not easily given, especially when his son's transformation had been so abrupt, so radical.

"Very well," Ethan finally said, his voice a low rumble of acquiescence. "We will make this journey, but I will be watching closely. If this is a game, I intend to be the player, not the pawn."

Shark Head bowed, a subtle smile gracing his lips. "You shall not be disappointed, Father. The game is afoot, and together, we shall emerge victorious."

As Shark Head left to prepare for their departure, Ethan returned to his chair, his thoughts a whirlwind of strategy and suspicion. He knew the risks, but the reward was too great to ignore. The fragments beckoned, and with them, the promise of power and a legacy that would endure through the ages.

Ethan sent a formal message before vising the Naline Kingdom. After receiving the reply, Shark Head and Ethan departed the very next day. He didn't bring any guards or subordinates with him because that could arose the other parties vigilance.

The grand hall of the Naline Kingdom was a stage set for diplomacy, but beneath the veneer of cordiality, a storm of emotions brewed. Ethan, the Duke of Natine, stood before the Naline King, his voice steady yet tinged with the gravity of their situation.

"King of Naline," Ethan began, his gaze unwavering, "these are times of strife, where the clashing of swords has drowned the voices of reason. Yet, I stand before you, not as a harbinger of war, but as an advocate for peace."

The Naline King, his face a mask of regal composure, felt the undercurrents of Ethan's words. "Duke Ethan, your words carry the weight of sincerity. But tell me, can peace truly be brokered when the shadow of greed looms over us?"

Ethan's brow furrowed, a subtle display of his concern. "Greed is but a specter that haunts the hearts of men. It is our duty to dispel it, to rise above the lure of power that fragments promise."

Meanwhile, Shark Head observed the exchange, his expression unreadable. His heart raced with anticipation, knowing that each word spoken was a step closer to Kai's grand design. The Shadow, a mere whisper in the halls of power, awaited the moment to strike, and Shark Head was the key to unlocking that door.

As the dialogue continued, the air thickened with unspoken promises and veiled threats. The Naline King's eyes narrowed, a glint of suspicion passing through them. "And what of the fragments, Duke? Does Natine covet them as well?"

Ethan's response was measured, his tone even. "We seek not to possess, but to protect. The fragments' power is not to be taken lightly, and we would see them safeguarded for the good of all."

The Naline King, though wary, could not deny the respect due to Ethan's title. "Very well, Duke. Let us see if the seeds of peace can find purchase in these barren lands."

While they were negotiating for a delusional alliance, Kai silently infiltrated the Naline Kingdom using his [Omnipresent Veil] ability.

Kai knew that the shadow must be here, because for him to control other. Kai found this flaw when he rechecked the situation that happened in the past six months.

'It also explains why the nobles and royal family members are confined in a single place.'

Kai also confirmed that the shadow must have another fragment with him, but the only thing that confused him was that the fragment in Naline king's hand.

'Is there someone else involved in this game other than the shadow?' Kai poundred with curiosity, but his thoughts only distracted him without any results.

Without any conclusions, Kai began to search for the traces of shadow entity.

--------

In the clandestine heart of the Naline Kingdom, the Shadow thrived in secrecy, its existence known to none. It was a cautious entity, ever vigilant, wielding a fragment that granted it dominion over the minds of others. Its chamber was a sanctum of silence, a place where thoughts were controlled and destinies manipulated.

The Shadow's confidence in its concealment was absolute until the moment an intruder materialized within its private domain. The figure of Kai appeared suddenly, an anomaly in the Shadow's perfect world of control. Without hesitation, the Shadow lashed out, its powers reaching for the mind of the trespasser, ready to ensnare and dominate.

But the attack passed through Kai, as though he were nothing but mist. The Shadow recoiled, its form quivering with shock and confusion. This was no ordinary intruder; this was something else, something beyond its understanding.

"Who are you?" the Shadow demanded, its multitude of voices echoing with a mix of anger and fear. "How do you resist me?"

Kai's form, translucent and serene, hovered before the Shadow. "I am not here in the flesh," Kai revealed, his voice calm and unfazed by the Shadow's assault. "This is my Astral body, beyond the reach of your fragment's influence."

The revelation sent a ripple of unease through the Shadow. It had believed itself the ultimate power within the kingdom, yet here was a being immune to its control. "What do you want?" the Shadow asked, its voices now a whisper of caution.

Kai's astral presence seemed to glow with an inner light. "I propose an alliance," he said. "You seek to maintain your dominion over Naline, and I have influence within Natine. Together, we can orchestrate a conflict that will weaken both kingdoms, leaving them ripe for our taking."

The Shadow considered this, its form pulsating with the rhythm of dark thoughts. "A large-scale war," it mused. "It could indeed serve our purposes. But why should I trust you, Kai? What assurance do I have that you will not betray me?"

Kai's laughter was like the chime of celestial bells. "Trust is a rare commodity," he admitted. "But consider this: our goals align, and our success depends on mutual cooperation. Betrayal would serve neither of us."

The chamber was silent once more as the Shadow weighed the words of this astral enigma. Finally, it spoke, "Very well, Kai. We shall strike this deal. But be warned, if you falter, there will be nowhere in the physical or astral realms where you can hide from me."

Kai's form nodded, an agreement sealed between two beings of power. "Then let the game begin," he said. "May the foundations of Naline and Natine tremble at our might."

As Kai's presence faded, the Shadow was left alone, its thoughts a whirlwind of strategy and anticipation. The kingdoms of Naline and Natine, unaware of the storm brewing in their midst, continued their petty squabbles, oblivious to the true war that was about to begin.

'The shadow's response seems unnatural.'. Kai thought after he left the Naline Kingdom.

Although, he can't pinpoint what exactly was wrong, his sense wasn't wrong.

'I think acquiring these fragments would be easier than I thought.' Kai smirked. He came to a conclusion about the shadow's identity, but not hundred percent sure.

"Shark Head, start the next part of plan immediately." Kai ordered using their connection.

'Okay, Young master, I will start as soon as possible.' Shark Head responded.