Oliver proceeds down the dimly lit corridor, where sunlight fails to reach. He treads cautiously, squinting his eyes to adjust to the low light. With each step, muffled yells echo through the halls, growing louder as he ventures deeper.

     Pressing forward into the abyss-like hallway, Oliver confronts the void that engulfs every corner. Darkness envelops his senses, giving the impression that someone has placed a blindfold over his eyes. Breathing loudly, Oliver extends his arms, slowing his pace. As he walks further, his fingertips encounter a chilling surface.

     Oliver places both palms against the surface, realizing he has met a solid wall. He runs his hands along the surface, searching for an opening, but every direction seems blocked. Slowly, he lowers to his knees and feels a slight gap. Squinting, he allows his vision to adjust.

     Finally, Oliver can see, though everything remains as dark as an unlit basement. He reaches forward, discovering a narrow, horizontal hole supported by unstable beams on either side. Regret tugs at Oliver, urging him to turn back and seek assistance. However, he takes a deep breath, mustering his courage. Ducking down, he crawls through the hole. Emerging on the other side, he stands upright, scanning left and right.

     Oliver enters a spacious chamber but finds it empty. He veers to his left, walking a few feet before encountering a wall, forcing him to turn around and head toward the right side of the room. There, he passes through a doorway, its broken door lying on the floor.

     As Oliver cautiously walks across the threshold, his shoe thuds against a wooden plank. He enters another room, yet no one is in sight. However, he can hear distinct cries of anguish from suffering individuals.

     Dust falls onto Oliver's shoulder, prompting him to look up. The wooden structure above him emits a mournful groan, crumbling into sharp planks. His eyes widen as he quickly jumps aside, narrowly avoiding the collapsing ceiling and the descending debris.

     Taking a deep breath, Oliver places his right palm over his pounding chest. He turns his head to the right, spotting another doorway. Quickly, he makes his way to the other side. Standing in a spacious hallway with a cracked floor, he takes a moment to assess his surroundings.

"Hello?"

     The wailing voices of distressed men and the boisterous cries of women reverberate louder through the corridor. Oliver takes notice and swiftly turns his gaze to the right, picking up his pace. He then holds his breath and presses his lips together.

"Help!" a muffled voice cried out.

     Oliver hears a distinct cry and comes to a halt. He directs his attention to the side of the hallway, where he witnesses a heap of stones and wooden planks piled against the lower wall. Oliver groans as he attempts to move the debris blocking the path. However, his efforts prove futile, leaving him panting and weary.

"Stand back!" Oliver commanded, urging those behind the debris to create a safe distance.

     Oliver stands up and takes a few steps back. He then points his palms towards the crumbled debris and sways his arms to the opposite side of the corridor, causing rocks and wood to soar away. Finally, the trapped men and women emerge, their hands pressed against their chests as they stare at their sole saviour. One by one, they make their way through the narrow path, their eyes fixed on Oliver.

     Stepping forward, Oliver reached his hands to the elders, helping them rise. He firmly grasped their arms, supporting their weight as he guided them out of the room. Soon, everyone was reunited with sunlight. The once-trapped men and women stepped out one by one through the entrance of the Government House. Tears glistened in their eyes as they beheld their waiting families.

     Outside the Government House, a heavy burden lifted from the shoulders of those who anxiously awaited news. Their worries dissipated as they witnessed the survivors emerging from the ravaged entrance. They hurried forward, embracing their loved ones with wide grins.

"Father!"

"Son!"

"Brother!"

     Oliver carefully carries a weak, wrinkled man in his arms, ensuring his safe passage as they become the last to exit the dilapidated building. With a gentle transfer, Oliver passes the elder into the care of the hurried doctors, exhaling a sigh of relief. His gaze sweeps across the surroundings, scanning from left to right, taking in the sight before him.

     Oliver's eyes immediately lock on his spouse and friends. His instincts tell him to approach his companions. But before he can step forward, he notices they are conversing with someone unfamiliar. Curiosity piqued, Oliver takes a steady step forward, tilting his head slightly as he stares at the stranger.

"He has been summoned by various world leaders, too. He has even saved my homeland," Sophia shared with the stranger.

"Impressive," the stranger replied.

"Oh, look! There he is!" Sophia gasped, pointing at Oliver with a broad grin.

     The stranger, a young and attractive man, turns around, catching Oliver by surprise and instantly capturing his attention. Oliver immediately notices the man's eyes glowing like cognac, mirroring the fiery shade of his hair. The man's hair is like a puddle of ink, contrasting against his pale skin. A tall black hat adorned with beads rests atop his head, evoking an aura of foreign royalty.

     The hat serves as a symbol of the man's noble heritage, an impression further reinforced by his attire. He wears a regal purple robe with wide sleeves that flow to the floor and layers his clothes with a golden cloak adorned with a long, pleated train. With a warm smile, the man walks forward, locking his eyes on Oliver.

As Oliver observed the distinguished hat, he couldn't help but assume that the man before him must be the emperor. Succumbing to a sense of humility, Oliver offered a bow and greeted. "Greetings."

"You must be the Remaining Podeshire?" the man inquired.

"I am," Oliver replied, straightening his back.

"I am Emperor Shiro of Geveria," the man introduced himself, confirming Oliver's assumption. It turned out that the man was none other than the Emperor of Geveria. "It is I who summoned you to rescue our politicians and innocent workers trapped within the Government House," Shiro said as he turned his head and glanced over his shoulder. He then watched men and women reuniting with their families on the street. "Ah, I see you have already rendered assistance?"

"I have," Oliver replied, glancing over his shoulder as trapped men and women poured out of the building.

"I have heard tales of your gallantry, which is why I selected you for this mission," Shiro stated. "I have also heard of your endeavours in foreign nations, aiding its people and their land. Is this true?"

"Yes, it is true," Oliver's eyes sparkled as he smiled.

"Do you have further destinations to attend to?" Shiro inquired.

"I do, Your Majesty," Oliver nodded.

Shiro continued with more questions. "Is it a matter of urgency?"

"Yes."

Pondering Oliver's imminent journey, Shiro lowered his gaze. "Before I bid you farewell, allow me to bestow upon you a suitable reward," Shiro said, smirking at Oliver. "Name your desired prize and amount."

"No, Your Majesty, I seek no recompense for my work," Oliver stated.

"I beg your pardon. You deserve at least a penny," Shiro raised an eyebrow. "Nonetheless, I shall dispatch gold coins to your designated address."

"No, Your Majesty," Oliver said, smiling as he lightly shook his head. "I. Need. None."

"...I... I am astonished by your selfless attitude," Shiro admitted, eager to learn more. "Because of that case, I would like to familiarize myself with your true name. How may I address you other than the Remaining Podeshire?"

"Oh, Your Majesty, you may refer to me by any name you see fit," Oliver replied as he beamed a light grin at Shiro.

"What is your given name again?" Shiro asked curiously.

"It is Oliver, Your Majesty," Oliver answered, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Oliver... Sir Oliver," Shiro grinned. Then, his eyes fell upon Gregory standing beside him. Shiro immediately corrected himself. "Mr Oliver. It is a pleasure to meet you," Shiro extended his hand.

Oliver shook Shiro's hand. "The pleasure's mine, Your Majesty," Oliver bowed his head. "But, I must apologise for the hasty departure. My companions and I must embark on our journey to the next country on our itinerary," Oliver said politely.

"Oh? Worry not. I understand your dire quest," Shiro replied.

"Thank you," Oliver smiled, his gaze meeting Shiro's eyes that mirrored his hair. "May I pose a question? Is... Kugi near Geveria?" Oliver asked.

"Yes. You can ride a ship to Kugi on the Geverian Docks," Shiro answered.

"Where can we find the docks?" Oliver asked kindly.

Shiro gestured down the street with an open palm. "Simply follow this road. It will lead you to a wider thoroughfare. From there, follow the signs leading to the Geverian Docks. The journey on foot should take a few hours," he explained.

"I am grateful for your guidance," Oliver bowed once again. "May we take our leave, Your Majesty?"

"Before I dismiss you, may I share a statement?" Shiro asked, stepping nearer Oliver.

"Do so, Your Majesty," Oliver nodded in response.