Inside the dark, echoing halls of Bowser's castle, Ganondorf paced with a slow, predatory gait, his eyes burning with anger and frustration. His mind raced with thoughts of power, betrayal, and vengeance. Bowser had overstepped his bounds, pulling strings that had led to the ruin of their grand plans, all while playing puppet master to Mario. Ganondorf wasn't one to tolerate such indignities.

As he muttered to himself, Dr. Robotnik waddled into view, his usual pompous demeanor tempered by a sense of calculation. He adjusted his glasses and approached Ganondorf, his voice slick with faux sympathy.

"Ah, Ganondorf," Robotnik began, his tone full of charm. "Always plotting, always thinking ahead. A powerful mind like yours can't possibly be satisfied with this… arrangement we find ourselves in. You deserve far more than just Hyrule."

Ganondorf turned toward him, his gaze sharp and suspicious. "And what exactly do you mean by that, Robotnik?"

Robotnik spread his hands wide, a grin splitting his face. "You've claimed Hyrule for yourself. That's impressive, truly. But think bigger, my friend. What if it wasn't just Hyrule? What if the rest of the world could be under your rule? The Mushroom Kingdom, the Kong Kingdom, the entire universe ripe for the taking? Imagine it—everything bowing before the great Ganondorf."

Ganondorf's eyes narrowed, his deep voice rumbling with skepticism. "And what's in it for you, Robotnik? I'm not a fool. You wouldn't come to me with such an offer without expecting something in return."

Robotnik chuckled softly, adjusting his gloves as he leaned in closer, his tone dripping with feigned humility. "I'm a simple man with simple needs, Ganondorf. All I require are resources—technology, minerals, machinery. Let me have my pick of what I need, and I'll stay out of your way. I don't care about ruling lands or kingdoms. You're welcome to all of that. My interests lie in my work, my inventions. I want my machines to dominate the future while you control the present."

Ganondorf regarded Robotnik for a long moment, his mind turning over the proposal. He could see the appeal—a grand empire stretching far beyond Hyrule, a world that bent to his will, with Robotnik's machines securing his power. Yet, deep down, Ganondorf knew Robotnik was never so simple. The man had ambition, just as much as he did.

"What makes you think I need your machines or your help?" Ganondorf growled, his voice laced with contempt. "Hyrule is mine, and I will take whatever else I want, with or without your aid. You think you can trick me into an alliance where you reap all the benefits while I do the work?"

Robotnik straightened, trying to maintain his composure as his grin wavered slightly. "Oh no, no tricks, Ganondorf. This is merely a partnership—one that would see us both achieve our goals. Your strength, my technology. Together, we could—"

Ganondorf cut him off with a wave of his hand. "Enough. I see through your ploys, Robotnik. You want to ride on the back of my power, to use me while you gather your precious resources. But I have no need for your help. Hyrule is already under my command, and I will take what I want by force. You're nothing more than a nuisance to me."

Robotnik's eyes flickered with a hint of frustration, but he quickly masked it with another smile, trying to recover his position. "Perhaps I've misjudged your readiness for such a partnership, Ganondorf. But I do believe it's only a matter of time before you see the value in my offer. When you do, I'll be here, ready to lend my expertise."

Ganondorf scoffed, his patience wearing thin. "I won't hold my breath."

Robotnik took a step back, bowing slightly with exaggerated politeness. "Very well, Lord Ganondorf. But remember, even the most powerful of kings need allies. When the time comes, I hope you'll consider mine."

Without waiting for a response, Robotnik turned and waddled away, his footsteps echoing through the corridors. Ganondorf watched him go, his fists clenching as he considered the conversation. The very thought of relying on a schemer like Robotnik turned his stomach, yet he couldn't deny that the doctor's inventions had their uses.

Still, Ganondorf was determined. He would not be played. He would not allow himself to be manipulated by anyone, especially not by the likes of Robotnik. If the time came where he needed machines to enforce his rule, he would seize them by force, not by alliance.

As Robotnik disappeared from sight, Ganondorf resumed his pacing, his thoughts already turning to the next stage of his plans. He would strike out on his own path, crushing all who opposed him. And if Robotnik tried to stand in his way?

Well, Ganondorf had crushed greater foes before.