Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 376: Confronting the Prefecture Lord

“Lord Draco, may I ask you a question? I’m merely a high-perennial assassin that’s never stayed in one place for long, let alone one prefecture. It’s only natural a man of your status doesn’t know of me,” the leopard boldly stated. “However, there are a few important questions I have regarding the safety and future of this territory. May I please ask them?”

Feeling both the desperation and confidence in Vloz’s tone, Isaac chuckled. “Fine. But I’ll only allow your outburst because of your marvelous student.”

“Thank you, my lord.” After bowing once more, Vloz stared directly into Isaac’s eyes. “What is to happen to our Iron Territory now?”

“Simple. The magicite mine will be investigated by the quadrant and the prefectures will vie for what the quadrant doesn’t take for themselves,” answered Isaac, not showing much care for the subject.

“Will this disrupt the common lives of those in Iron Territory?”

“Greatly.” Isaac nodded with casual certainty. “It’s likely that war will break out, or at least a few battles. But such is to be expected over prefectural disputes.”

Glaring slightly, Vloz asked, “And will we be recruited for such warfare?”

.....

“Of course, you will! You’ll be defending your homes!” chuckled Isaac, shrugging casually. “You won’t be pressured too heavily by kings since I will supply some to aid you, but you’ll be a part of the mortal and perennial forces to be certain.”

“And how soon might such warfare break out?”

“Hmm... possibly within a few suns, a moon or two at the latest.”

“And that’s alright with you?”

Nodding again, Isaac added, “Of course, I’m alright with that. I’ll be allowed a chance to strip the mine of what remains while we defend the border. It’s a fairly simple victory in my eyes.”

“And what of our casualties?” asked Bradok, stepping forward. “As Territory Leader, it’s in my interest to spare as many souls as possible.”

“And as someone with king-level friends, you should understand the meaning of war, if you don’t already understand it first-hand,” remarked Isaac, looking back to the gorilla chief. “I’m too busy catering to millions upon millions of lives within the prefecture. You think the loss of a few lives within a backwoods territory that’s barely got anything to offer will keep me up at night?”

“Barely anything?” Tilting his head to the side, Bradok laughed and shook his head, “So the magicite and our mortal candidate mean nothing all of a sudden, even after you’ve given the order to keep her a secret?”

“Very bold of you to speak to me in such a manner...” Reevaluating his opinion of the old ape, Lord Draco scoffed, “And why should I handle things differently? Got any ideas?”

“Why not prove that Netra is a valuable contender and postpone-”

“No.”

“Why not?”

Furrowing his brow, Lord Draco stated, “Netra is to remain a secret until the main phase of the mortal championship.”

“But won’t revealing her save our territory?” questioned Bradok.

“It definitely would! But it’s not happening, because I ordered it so!” shouted Isaac. “Or will you convince me otherwise?”

“Nah, I can’t do that. But perhaps my friend can...” Bradok looked away and began walking toward the estate gate. “Care to join me and my friend for a drink?”

“... I’ve got nothing better to do while I wait. So I suppose I’ll accept your hospitality and meet this all-powerful friend of yours,” joked Isaac, scoffing as he followed the brawny beast. “Rhyner, come along.”

“Mind if I join?” Vloz asked, already dashing ahead to join Bradok, who was nodding.

As the group left, Puula was left shaking as she hugged her daughter with her tails. “Netra, I’m so sorry-”

“Don’t be, Mom. What could you or anyone do to stop him?” Netra reasoned, forcing Puula to stop complaining and apologizing. “Master Ania, will we be okay?”

“Yes, we’ll be fine,” answered Ania, nodding to the fox girl out of reflex.

Netra asked, “But what about the territory? I’ll be fine, but will everyone else?”

“... Yes. We’ll be fine. Just trust in my dad,” sighed Ania. “That’s all we can do, for now.”

Bradok and Vloz soon reached the town square with their guests in tow. They greeted many as they passed the streets and eased everyone’s worries after witnessing the massive flux of energy from the teleportation circle. And once they reached a newly opened bar, they held the doors open for their guests.

Bradok bowed. “After you, my lord.”

“Thanks...” Isaac chuckled, curious to meet the gorilla’s persuasive friend. But he didn’t need to wait for an introduction, or for Bradok to point anyone out. “ZELSH?!”

“LORD DRACO!!” Instantly, a towering man jumped to his feet and dropped to the ground in a deep bow. “Lord Draco, what brings a man of your status to such a small territory as this?!”

Isaac rushed over to the large, wrap-around booth and looked Zelsh in the eyes. “Do you already know about the girl?”

“The girl?” Blinking, Zelsh itched his face in thought. “Do you mean... the fox girl? Netra?”

“OOOHHHHHHH!!!” Essence cascaded through the tavern and overwhelmed the entire restaurant in seconds. Isaac’s face was red with fury. “How do you know?!! ANSWER ME!!!”

Unlike everyone else, Zelsh was unfazed and unaffected by the inundation of energy. “When Ania came to bring her father to their new territory, they visited me and brought the fox girl to spar with my candidates. We even offered to exchange teachings between Vloz and I.”

“Ohhhhh...” Turning aside, Isaac’s stare attempted to burn a hole through Bradok and Vloz.

Vloz merely smiled and added, “I look forward to your help in training Netra. Should you wish, I’ll gladly exchange my time for yours in the future as well.”

“Stop dealing with those beyond prefecture borders! I demand so!”

But Zelsh scoffed, “Excuse me, Lord Draco, but what they’ve done isn’t illegal. With their familial ties to my Bore City, of course they’re welcome to travel as my personal friends. What’s gotten you so riled up? You still haven’t told me why you, the prefecture lord, have decided to visit this teenie territory on your border.”