In a dark office at the Capital of Rone, rays of sunlight filtered through the parted curtain, though not nearly enough to provide enough illumination to the room, leaving the two figures hidden in the shadows.
Behind a broad, polished desk, Morato sat perfectly still, leaned in, looking over the scrying orb, his crimson eyes keen on what was being shown.
Across him the Administrator stood idly by, his features flickering shadow in the backdrop of the darkness. But there was a defining feature of his small beaming bead-like eyes.
"Hmph." Morato's eyes drifted disappointingly from the orb. "A disappointing batch…" He leaned back. "We need better candidates."
"I've been searching," The Administrator replied, the surrounding air chilling. "Our pool of potential candidates is limited, and we do not have much time."
"Well…" Morato flashed his hand, "Searching outside the capital is always an option."
"Not a chance," The Administrator sharply replied. "Our reign of influence has been vastly reduced. Those provinces might still pledge allegiance to the capital, but with Lucktan gone there's no one they truly take orders from. I'm very aware of the kind of individuals our former lord kept by his side—they are not to be trusted."
"Then we keep searching. Speaking of our fallen lord." Morato leaned in slightly, a spark of interest in his eyes. "That territory… What got him so worked up about that? You were kinda like his right hand…"
"Uncertain," The Administrator replied impassively. "Lord Lucktan was a secretive man. Only he knew his true ambitions… we were merely fed what to believe, while he carried his true motives on his own."
"Now, that is none of our concern, what has happened, has happened, we need to look towards the future. We lost our power on the main stage, without a Demon King our influence on this continent has diminished greatly. We need another as soon as possible… Demon King Ukuter has thankfully yet to make a move on his brother's lost territories, so we still have time."
Morato scoffed unapologetically. "Ukuter? Don't you see. It's been years now. He doesn't want anything to do with what's left… that territory especially. But, I do wonder… After the conflict between Uin and Lucktan, the Yellows were quick to release statements of Uin's victory… yet he hasn't been seen since and they chose a new heir to carry to the Demon King title, the 7th Ukuter."
"Meaning?" The Administrator inquired.
"My theory," Morato leaned in smirking, devilish crimson eyes locked to the Administrator's.
"Let's not forget the Yellow's pride themselves in the image of humanity. Demons you want to curate to the masses. Throughout their history, each generation of Demon King has maintained that look and approach… Until now. Uin the 6th didn't engage with the usual traditions of being crowned in front of a vast sea of mortal onlookers, from the start he's been a problem."
"Meaning they got rid of him?..." Said the Administrator.
"Eh. Or he simply left without a trace to be found." Morato shrugged his shoulders, cupping his chin. "Among all the generations this is the first time they've had someone so unruly. I mean look at Ukuter—the 7th pretty obedient. Crowning ceremony and all. I mean after all that territorial conflict over that patch of land, it makes sense they want to separate themselves from it."
The Administrator pondered upon Morato's words for a few seconds, something clicking in his mind. "I see you're quite observant. On that matter, I can see your point. The Yellow's wouldn't push a conflict against Lucktan, even if it means giving up a part of the land. So I can see Uin acting on his owe—"
….
"Something the matter?" Morato inquired, curious as to why he went so quiet.
"This territory… Now you've brought something to my attention. I traveled with Lord Lucktan once, to the very border of Uin's land he claimed. Deep down under, I felt a strong demonic presence," The Administrator informed, a little uncertain himself.
"He was mildly annoyed with Uin's presence then… but now I can clearly see it was a mere façade."
Morato narrowed his eyes, getting the full picture. "I see. I presume he had great interest in whatever was present down below."
"In the coming future, once we find a worthy candidate. We should have someone, take a look into the area. Wouldn't you agree?"
"I will not object. Until then, keep focused on our task at hand."
Giving his final words, the Administrator left Morato's office, the chill in the air going along with him.
"What an era to be summoned…"