[Valerian: Get in here! My spies!]

  As Valerian gives his order, three ninjas emerge before him. The first, Renzo, is the covert leader of Valerian’s personal espionage unit. In his thirties, Renzo is not only lean and agile but also a master of his craft. His nickname, “The Ghost,” signifies his remarkable ability to remain undetected in any situation. With sharp, angular features and intensely dark, watchful eyes that perceive everything, he stands out. His jet-black hair is neatly tied back in a ponytail, and a faint scar across his left cheek suggests past encounters, enhancing his enigmatic presence. He carries two sharp, curved blades on his back, symbolizing his readiness for anything.

  The second ninja, Kaito, known as “Stone,” is a robust and athletic man in his mid-thirties. His piercing blue eyes and short, spiky hair—dark strands interspersed with silver—create a commanding aura. His typically stern expression reflects a serious demeanor and the burden of responsibility. Clad in traditional ninja garb, featuring a dark tunic, loose pants, and a sash filled with various tools and weapons, Kaito embodies preparedness. His intricately designed katana represents his expertise in swordsmanship, complemented by a selection of concealed weapons like kunai and darts stashed in various pockets for quick access.

  The final ninja, a woman named Sakura, is nicknamed “Health.” In her late twenties, she possesses a lithe, agile physique. With long, dark hair pulled into a high ponytail and striking violet eyes, she radiates an aura of mystery. Her face is marked by faint, nearly invisible scars that hint at her hazardous profession. She wears a sleek, form-fitting ninja suit in dark purple and black hues, allowing her to blend seamlessly into the shadows. Her outfit includes numerous hidden pockets for her gear and is often complemented by a hood and veil to conceal her identity. An expert in poisons, Sakura carries a portable kit filled with vials and darts. Additionally, her acrobatic prowess and parkour skills enable her to navigate the most challenging terrains effortlessly. Her weapon of choice is a pair of sais, which she wields with deadly precision precision.

  All three ninjas stand attentively as King Valerian opens his mouth.

  [Valerian: I want you guys to track down these five. I want to know everything about them, from locations to family members. Understand?]

  Valerian throws down hand-drawn pictures from the soothe sayer on the ground. In unison, all three respond [Understood] and leave to achieve the objective. After a few hours, all three returned and were ready to report the results. Renzo steps up and hands the notes they took to Valerian. The information dump starts.

  Pax is a 25-year-old male from the slums, and his family died of starvation when he was young. Despite the various setbacks in his life, people who know Pax have all described him as a man with a heart of gold and a gentle giant. Pax is currently living in a slum named “The Iron Quarter. The Iron Quarter is a bustling industrial district within the capital city of Aranthia, known for its workshops, forges, and factories. It is a place where the lower and working classes live and work. The area is characterized by narrow, winding streets and buildings made of brick and iron. Despite its rough exterior, the community here is tight-knit and resilient. Pax’s home is a modest but sturdy residence near a local tavern, where he is well-known and respected by the locals for his fairness and protective nature.

  Blake is a 24-year-old middle-class researcher. Blake’s mother died from illness when he turned 18. Blake’s father was the leader of the infamous “Crips” gang and a sicko who experimented on hundreds of innocent people. The dad’s reign of terror ended when an enigmatic entity called “Dr.NewYork” appeared. The two ended up fighting, which led to their disappearance. Also, Blake has some entity around him that makes getting more information about him extremely dangerous. Blake’s current location is Midtown. Midtown is a thriving, middle-class district at the heart of the capital city. It is known for its vibrant markets, educational institutions, and bustling trade centers. The streets are lined with well-kept homes and shops, reflecting the dynamic spirit of its residents. Blake resides in a modest yet comfortable townhouse near the Academy of Sciences, where he often collaborates with scholars and inventors. His home is a living space and a personal research laboratory filled with books, gadgets, and scientific equipment.

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  Selene is a 23 year half-dryad. Little is known about Selene’s personality because she never interacts with humans. Selenes’ mother was a dryad who died in the war a few years back. Selenes’ father was a soldier in the war who also ended up dying. Selenes’ current location is The Whispering Woods. The Whispering Woods is a sprawling, enchanted forest located just beyond the kingdom’s borders. This area boasts serene beauty and mystical energy, filled with ancient trees, glistening streams, and a variety of wildlife. The forest resonates with the sounds of nature, believed to share secrets with attentive listeners. Selene resides in a quaint, secluded cabin nestled deep within the woods, enveloped by lush greenery and colorful flowers. Her home blends seamlessly with the natural environment, and she has created a sanctuary where she can commune with nature and protect the forest.

  Azarath is a 25-year-old male. He still has both parents alive, and he has a good relationship with both. The note describes an event where Sakura tried to get close to the parents. Before she revealed herself, she was called out by Azarath, who was supposed to be on the other side of town. He heard her over a distance of 5 miles and was able to make it there in under a minute. Azarath proceeded to try to convince Sakura to sleep with him, but he failed. Azarath is currently located in the Golden District, where he is widely regarded as a hero. This area, the capital city’s richest and most extravagant, is inhabited by the kingdom’s nobility and elite. It showcases grand mansions, exquisite gardens, and distinguished institutions. The roads are broad and exceptionally tidy, adorned with elaborate lampposts and statues. Azarath lives in a magnificent mansion featuring extensive grounds, fountains, sculptures, and a dedicated training space. His residence reflects his yearning for fame and opulence, filled with high-end furnishings, artworks, and personal honors.

  Finally, Peak, the 18-year-old male. Peak used to live in the neighboring country with his parents. However, they unanimously decided to kick him out because, as the mom told Kaito, “His jokes were so bad it was insufferable. Imagine having to listen to that every single day!?” The father quickly added, “You should have seen the look on his face when I disowned him and kicked him out. It was the funniest thing he’s probably done in his life!” After this, Peak came to Aranthia looking for a fresh start. However, his comedy has not changed, with the locals describing him as “annoying.” Peak, however, is an optimist with a great outlook on life. Kinder folk have stated, “Peak is like a pillar of light in this gloomy community.” Peak is currently located in The Glimmering Heights. The Glimmering Heights is a vibrant, economically challenged neighborhood nestled on a hillside overlooking the capital. It’s celebrated for its bright houses, winding streets, and a strong sense of community. Despite limited resources, the area bursts with life and creativity, featuring street performers, artists, and musicians that enhance its appeal. Peak resides in a cozy, cheerful apartment above a well-known comedy club, where he frequently takes the stage. His home is adorned with playful decorations, props from his performances, and memorabilia from his shows.

  Valerian reads this information with a smile.

  *Valerian: I didn’t expect them to get me this much info! I will need to reward them later.*

  Valerian then hands the letter over to his right hand, Elysia. He looks at her and smiles.

  [Valerian: We are still going for Selene first?] Valerian asks quizzically.

  Elysia quickly looks over the letter and responds with a simple nod. This causes Valerian to jump up.

  [Valerian: OK, it’s settled! Elysia, you will take our lead agricultural scientist, Dr. Lyra Greenwood, and convince Selene to be our vassal! Renzo and Kaito will follow closely as combat support, just in case. With this operation, the “Garden” will commence!]