"I thought reavers only target the Royal Navy's ships," Jax commented.
"I wish. They target anything that floats on water now. Blame it on their new leader, a madman who thinks he's the God of the sea, they say," Lord Ashtor scoffed arrogantly, "We can try to bribe them, but they are too unpredictable. The best course of action is to avoid them."
Leaf, who overheard their conversation, saw danger signs written all over the sea routes, "Does boss know? He might cancel the whole plan if we tell him."
"He must have known and just didn't tell you," Lord As reasoned, "You look like a scared rabbit whenever he suggests something new."
Leaf coughed, "Like you never get scared."
"Scared? Ha!" Lord As barked a laugh, "I'm just a humble servant who worships his boss. I'd swim through shark infested waters if he asked me to. Unlike you cowards."
Leaf rubbed his temples, "As if rivalry between Roland and Jax isn't enough, now we have to deal with a bootlicker. How lovely."
"The biggest scaredy-cat is calling me a bootlicker," Lord Ashtor tapped his chin, pretending to think, "Shouldn't you be polishing our boss' boots and begging him to stay out of the sea right now, Leaf?"
Leaf took a deep breath, giving up his attempt to befriend the new Vice. "The boot that you'll never get to kiss." He walked away, not wanting to waste any more time on the argument.
He had voiced his concern to their Boss before, but Lucian didn't seem to mind the tension between his Vices, even encouraging it at times.
It was a paranoid way of keeping himself safe, that was his answer to Leaf: keep each other in check. If they kept each other in check, nobody would dare to betray him.
"Goblin," Leaf called out to the boy, who ran around with the feral soldiers. Lucian had given him a dozen to play with.
Goblin stopped growing taller at ten, still looking like a child even at fourteen, which seemed to be due to his tattoo.
"Yeah?" Goblin beamed a smile at him.
"Are you okay with returning to the slave camp?"
"As long as Boss is with us, I'm fine," Goblin replied, his expression full of trust in Lucian.
"Even you..." Leaf frowned, seeing how much of a hold Lucian had on him. He also used to be like this, trusting until he was used as a scapegoat, and ended up in the slave camp, "Never mind. Let's go help Fishbone's wife unload the supplies."
"Okay!" Goblin followed after him, waving at his underling feral soldiers to do the same.
They were like big pets in human form, and it was a bit eerie with how they seemed to follow Goblin more than the other Vices. Again, it must have something to do with his humanoid tattoo for sure.
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The schedule was packed as they continued their journey to the gold mines.
The Nareon's Hunter King was going to be a big obstacle to overcome, but as long as they acted their part, they could secure a deal with him.
When on the move, they would rehearse their roles, practice how to present their offer, and prepare for the worst.
The gold mines were the most vital piece in Lucian's plan, and he couldn't afford to lose it.
The desert changed, showing the first signs of civilization.
After passing by Savage's territory, the gold mines came into view.
They encountered the first patrol, who questioned them, asking for their reason for being in their territory.
They introduced the feral soldiers as a mercenary group, explaining that they were there to assist in the protection of the gold mines.
The patrol's leader recognized Lucian and gave him a curt nod, allowing them to pass through.
It was only when they reached the mining site that they were faced with the real challenge. They had to wait outside, while watching their boss enter the mines by himself.
The Hunter King was there, with just a dozen of his servants. His seven marks was such a high level, there was no need for a big protection force.
He was overlooking the mine's operations when Lucian arrived, a cigarette hanging from his mouth, a lazy yet deadly gaze in his eyes.
His black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and his sun kissed skin was covered in tattoos.
He was shirtless, wearing only a pair of loose pants, his muscular chest exposed to the sun, absorbing its rays.
He was young, in his mid twenties, yet his aura was that of a crazy man who had lived through many lifetimes.
The South's prodigy and the prophecy's villain was standing before Lucian.
His name, Eon. Hunter King Eon.
A bloodthirsty killer, a ruthless warrior, and the man who would bring the South to its knees, due to a single female, the heroine.
"Hunter King Eon," Lucian bowed his head in respect, "We've come to fulfill our part of the deal."
King Eon dragged the cigarette from his mouth and blew out the smoke, his eyes fixed on Lucian.
"Glory's founder," he said in a rough voice, "It's about time you showed up."
He gestured for Lucian to follow him.
They walked towards the mine's entrance, the miners not daring to pause their work to look at the newcomers.
But to their surprise, King Eon ordered them to stop their work and leave.
The miners obeyed without question, dropping their tools and leaving the area.
The mine was a massive pit, dug deep into the earth. It was a maze of tunnels and shafts, with wooden beams supporting the walls and ceiling.
Lamps hung from the beams, illuminating the dark tunnels.
"Tell me about the deal," King Eon said as they walked.
Who in their right mind would ask for a gold mine that could be taken away after the war, if the owner wished so? On what basis did Lucian believe he could keep it? It was a foolish demand to make.
"The north has lost its two ruby knights," Lucian began, "They are currently in a state of panic, trying to find a way to fill the power vacuum. The Lost East Walls won't be able to withstand the Southern Alliance's invasion. The North will be forced to pull back their forces and abandon the resources in the Lost East."
"Aren't you a northerner?" King Eon shot him a look, an intimidating smirk on his lips, "Why are you betraying your homeland?"
╔═══ Author's note ════╗
Thank you for the golden tickets!
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