"Your majesty, it's an honor to finally meet you in person." Viktor said. He put a hand over his chest and bowed as a sign of respect.

"The same to you Viktor." Timoteo says from his throne, "I am pleased to know of your eagerness to help us with this witch predicament."

The guardians who were stationed around the king seemed uneasy having Viktor around. People who have heard of him would know that he was a little...not right in the head. Who knows what lengths he would go to in order to achieve his ultimate goal.

Viktor smirked at their reactions. He took pride in the fear people had for him; a ruthless blood thirsty witch hunter. So what if he wasn't right in the head? Insanity makes you do things that others wouldn't even think of doing. That's what made him so successful. That's what allowed him to get this far. Why shouldn't he be proud of his insanity?

"I take that you've heard of my requirements?" asks Viktor, though he already knew the answer.
"I have." the king replied, "But I'm afraid that I can't let you do as you please."

Viktor's eye twitched in irritation. He can't lose his temper now, not after making it this far. "Why not, your majesty?"

King Timoteo looked at him sternly, "I cannot let you do things your way because I worry for the safety of the trainees." he said.
"How about we make a deal, your majesty?" Viktor quickly says. The king kept silent, letting his audience continue, "I vow that the recruits will not be harmed under my care. No deaths guaranteed. And if it does come to that, you may have your way with me." he offered.

Everyone in the room still felt a sense of doubt in his words. Some glanced around the throne room nervously while others stayed still with an uncomfortable expression upon their faces.

It was silent in the room. The tension was so thick it was almost suffocating.

Come on already. Viktor said in his head.

"As you wish." Timoteo finally said after considering his choices.

Viktor couldn't help but smile in delight. All according to plan. "My profuse thanks, your majesty. I look forward to working with you." he says.

"I'm sorry Ninth, but have you gone mad?" one of the king's guardians snapped. He was a middle aged man with black hair; the tips at the front were blonde. He had a stubble beard and looked like one of the youngest among the guardians.
"Ganauche, it's our only option left." the king says, closing his eyes, "Viktor, if you break your vow, you will face the death penalty."

Viktor was unfazed by the sudden outburst. He was too distracted by the special plans he had in mind for the recruits. Oh how his happy day got even happier! "No problem." he sang cheerfully, "My first request is that I choose the recruits myself."
"We already sent someone to do that." Timoteo says.
"Oh, no worries. I don't want them wasting their time doing my work." Viktor said, waving his hand dismissively.

He had to choose the people himself. They had to be willing enough to go through what Viktor had in store them. He cannot have some pansy who is too much of a coward to risk their life to save humanity. It would be a waste of time and resources. Viktor wanted someone who is willing to risk everything for the power he will bestow upon them. "Is it too much of a hassle my king?" Viktor asks.

Surely it wasn't, it was just calling someone back and handing over their job to him. How hard could it be?

"Bouche." the king called to one of his guardians. The guardian was a man with dark skin and apparently had no eyebrows. He had red hair that was tied back in a braid. Once knowing his orders, he exited the throne room.

"Viktor, you will be staying here in the castle until this is all over." Timoteo says.
"I thank you for your kind offer your majesty, but I prefer staying in my own home." Viktor says. He didn't want to stay here. Not away from his lab. It just won't do if he were to live the next days without it! Though he did favor the idea of having lavish meals in the palace dining hall. That will have to wait. Viktor said to himself. "As much as I'd like to stay, I have to take leave now, your honor."
"Why the hurry?" the king asks.
"To gather our new recruits of course. Time waits for no man." Viktor answered and bowed.

He left the room, escorted by two knights. Oh how much fun this is going to be!