Several ornamented soldiers marched into the mess hall, their pace matching with one another's and lances firmly clutched in their fists. Their helms were in the shape of their god's mighty head; the visor was shaped exactly like a long golden beak and there was a feathered crest placed on the very top. The rest of the armor was dyed a ruby red. As they marched to the exquisite throne at the head of the throne room, the soldiers began to disband, some taking places near the throne and others near the ends of the long tables, their eyes flicking coldly to and fro from behind their decorated masks. It was then that one could see the emperor of Phoenicis himself. 

The emperor was said to be young and handsome, but not incredibly so. The young man could certainly charm any woman he wanted. His hair, a stark black, drifted down in gentle rivulets, stopping just above his neck. His eyes were a caramel-color; a golden-brown that one could see from any corner of the room. His face was without a beard or mustache, but it did not need one. He was dressed in russet garments trimmed with gold, his sleeves almost rippling down all the way to the floor. One couldn't see his legs or hands, but it was obvious that he was a delicate looking lad that was meant to lead and negotiate, not to fight and kill. 

"May we present," one of the soldiers at his side boomed. "The lord and protector of our land, the Son of the Sun himself, Our Grace Emperor Yamamoto."

The sound of gongs resonated throughout the large hall.

Many of the Phoenician volunteers, stood and bowed as their young emperor took a seat on his ornamented throne. Some others did the same simply for respect, while others simply watched. By that time, everyone had taken a seat, so the emperor began to speak. "I thank all of you for attending," his voice was clear and soothing, like a cold, crystal stream on a hot afternoon. "Remember that you do not offer your arms for your country alone, but for Atlas as a whole. I do not see a gathering of men and women from different nations in front of me, but a grouping together of people from the same land. I am gracious to see that so many have come to fight for the future of every man, woman, child, and Pokemon in Atlas. Soon, this blight will come to an end at the hands of the very people of the continent."

Several people cheered with delight upon the morale-boosting words of the grand emperor. But what was the point, when the despair of the journey to overpower hope? "You shall find the very source of the beasts' frenzy and crush it before much damage can be done," Yamamoto continued, his voice growing fiercer as his eyes narrowed to slits. "I allow you to do whatever you wish to the culprits, however, please show them what it means to meddle with us, the people of Atlas, before ending their petty lives, if you decide to do so."

"I have spoken to all of the leaders of Atlas and it is decided that no countryman will bring you harm. If they do, please report them to officials whenever you can," the emperor continued. "My advisers have told me that it is best for you to first go north towards Leonias to Aurios, as it is summer and it is not wise to trek through the northern parts during the winter. I require a second group to travel through conditions of Argent, but beware, for you must prepare for the cold floods inbound. I encourage you to be quick; an Aurion fall is just as deadly as its winter. The faster you can get to Aurios and back, the better."

"That is all I have to say," Yamamoto continued with a soft smile. "I plead for you to work together and choose a leader amongst yourselves, as I can see that you have already... interacted. Though be warned that if any of you turn your blade on one another, you will be appropriately punished once you return to your homeland. That is all. Enjoy the rest of your night."

The emperor stood up again, and the soldiers surrounded him in a protective fashion much like they had when they arrived. The gongs resonated once again. In the matter of a few moments, Yamamoto was gone, along with his guards.