Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 371: Rushing Back Home

“Your omnipotence, may I join Sir Slazza during the inspection?” Lord Draco asked, after scoffing at his fellow lord’s light punishment.

“You may. However, you are not allowed in the mine until the other representatives of the connected parties arrive as well. Only then, will Slazza escort you, to be wary of all potential tampering,” answered God Toseko. “Also, Slazza, don’t interrupt the locals. According to Lord Draco’s reports, they may have a genuine contender for the championship.”

Nodding, Slazza replied, “Very well. I shall verify this information before determining how I handle the situation. If possible, am I allowed to recruit the help of the local regime in my survey of the mine?”

“That will be fine. Upon your leave with Lord Draco, we’ll send messengers to Toxic-shadow and Tempest Prefectures. Are there are further questions about the matter?” Scanning the room, the god beamed and chuckled, “Then the matter is on hold till further investigation. You may leave me!”

“Yes, your omnipotence!” everyone shouted in unison, offering deep bows in perfect synchronization.

Once all had exited and the grand doors were closed behind them, Zrand let loose a quiet sigh of relief.

Smirking and shaking his head, Lord Draco stopped at Zrand’s side. “Pitiful. You can’t even run your own prefecture properly and you dare tamper with mine? You’re absurd to the core, you slimy snake.”

.....

“And what gives you the right to besmirch my reputation, you, a fragile human?” countered Zrand, dropping all courtesy in turn.

“Me? Fragile? Is that a challenge?” Fiery energy flashed across Isaac Draco’s eyes while he leaned into Zrand’s face, daring to exhale a scorching hot breath. “I’m game whenever you decide to grow a pair and fight to the death.”

“Enough of your squabbling,” Slazza intervened before Zrand could reply, though everyone could see the hesitation in the snake’s eyes. “Lord Draco, let’s prepare for the journey. We leave in less than an hour.”

Laughing in Zrand’s face, Draco nodded. “Yeah... Let’s get ready. I can’t wait to see who his pathetic prefecture sends anyway...”

As Slazza and Isaac left the corridor, Lady Narja silently waited ahead for Zrand. “Follow me. I’ll show you to your quarters.”

“Thank you.”

Zrand said nothing else. He merely followed his escort until he was allowed to be alone in his spacious guest quarters, the room where he’d be staying for the next three years.

*****

“I’ll say this once, since like daughter, like mother. Never mention Oli in front of anyone unknowing about his whereabouts. NEVER!”

Puula slunk down into her seat, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

“Now...” The mysterious man sighed and regained his usual composure, “What’s important now is to move forward with a common goal in mind. Everyone, remember that we must delay any form of war at all costs. Should war break out... Things will grow more unpredictable and we may gradually lose sight of our end goal.”

“Thank you for warning us,” Zelsh stated, bowing his head to the unnamed man.

But the man shook his hand. “Don’t thank me. This is necessary for our plans, and thus mandatory. It’s not a courtesy.”

“What will you have me do?” Jarrit asked.

A slight grin on his face, the man shook his head, “For now, you’ll be busy cultivating. It’s about time you become a king. As for Bradok, you already know what to do.”

“Sure do! Thanks, for everything!” Rising to his feet, Bradok pounded his fist against his chest and bowed to the man, destroying the table with his head in the process.

“Ha... I wish you the best of luck. You’ll need it...”

The man’s voice faded along with his visage, leaving the rest of the table to wallow in suspenseful silence.

Raising his head, Bradok laughed, “I guess we need to hurry back! Zelsh, do you mind-”

“Of course not! I insist!” Jumping to his feet, Zelsh instantly turned to his family members. “I’ll be taking them all back to Iron Territory. Donovan, you’re in charge while I’m away. Try not to lean on your mother too much, or you’ll never be ready for your own region.”

“Y-yes, Dad!” Donovan replied, saluting his father.

Vloz nodded and backed away from the table. “Then let’s be off. Can you have someone lead Netra to the portal?”

“Consider it done!”

“Ania, thank you for the splendid feast. Hopefully, we can share more meals in the future, whether here in our palace or in your territory,” Dewlia bowed in respect. “And I wish you and your territory the best. Do everything you can to survive.”

“We will!” Bradok answered for his daughter, already rushing to the door and throwing it wide open. “Now let’s get going!”

Pleasantries were hastily shared before all guests of the Rot Region rushed out of the dining hall.

Jarrit was the only guest to remain, but he quickly teleported away after finishing his glass of wine. However, he didn’t appear beside anyone heading for Iron Territory or at the portal. He simply disappeared.

The moment Netra arrived at the portal, Zelsh pounded the ground with his energy and carried them away in a flash of purple light. And upon arrival in the Trighton Territory, Vloz telepathically shared the location of Iron Territory with Zelsh, allowing the king to sense the correct coordinates linked with the teleportation circle. After one more flash, they all arrived in the courtyard of Iron Academy.

“So... this is your school?” Zelsh sighed and asked, sensing the surrounding buildings. “For a new territory, this is quite impressive.”

“Thank you, but we can save those discussions for later, after we’ve dealt with the problem in our midst,” Vloz replied, leading everyone out of the courtyard. “Netra, go home and rest. You’ll need all the energy you can muster.”

“... Yes, Master. Can you please-”

“Rest first. Then we’ll inform you of what’s to happen,” stated Vloz. “We need you at full power and we’ll share everything with you once you’ve recovered.”

“Alright... Mom?” Netra noticed the panic in Puula’s gaze and demeanor. “Mom, everything will be okay.”