Chapter 193: Happenings
Two days have passed since Iron Knight summoned Vacuse and with just one day left before they go, he chose to use it to know about the state of things in the Western Region.
The war with the Warbines, through the Trolls, had reached a stalemate with each side just keeping the other in check, even though everyone was waiting for the Vorrakyns to push forcefully and crush the Trolls.
But instead, the Dragon Lord and the General Commander have now made moves to expand the borders instead. With the Warbines distracted fighting their own wars, the Vorrakyn pushed the Trolls back and then began raising more fortresses around Standpoint.
In fact, there are rumors that the Dragon Lord is going to continue the work of Milixa Vorraky, his father, in establishing a city that cuts from Standpoint and into the Wilderness.
The war the Warbines are fighting with the other Clans is going surprisingly well. They have taken almost all of the clans that belong to Mogthrak High Clan and are getting closer and closer to their heartland clan by the day.
But what is most shocking is that none of the other High Clans have joined the war, not for the Warbines or for the Mogthrak. Nobody could understand the reason why such was happening, but everyone is eagerly waiting for the outcome of the war.
And for the most part, the Western Region is peaceful.
With the bulk of the Region’s Soulbearers concentrated in one place, under the direct watch of the Grand Duke, there has been no rebellion, at least no open ones.
And the other Dukes, well, they really did not matter much in the grand scheme of things concerning the Western Region.
Which in turn had made the independent Lords of the Western Region slightly more powerful.
Also, Kragthar had taken a boost, both in population and economy, and even though the Grand Duke is not sitting there, it is becoming the center of the Western Region once again after years of dormancy.
Also, the silent war is still ongoing, but now it is not as intense because of the Great Dungeon, since the Eastern Region, which is at the forefront, is focusing its attention on the Dungeon instead.
"You remember the report I gave you about people getting killed and their blood drained? Well, it is still happening and it is even more frequent than usual. All the investigation by my team and others from Kragthar overseer have not turned out anything new," Kagerou said.
They were in Vacuse’s room, the two of them, as he listened to the report on the happenings in the Western Region.
"The blood report likely has to do with Blood Spike. I think... I will deal with her when we are back." Vacuse’s voice was solemn, as if he was not just speaking so casually about killing a Sovereign Ascended who is also a Numbered Accord.
Kagerou gave him a strange look but did not say anything out loud. "I think that is all the most important stuff. The Dragon Lord sends his good luck and bids you to be careful."
Vacuse nodded and stretched. They had been at it since morning and it was already afternoon. "I need to snack on something..."
Just then a knock came from the door, and a moment later, Harkon entered. He swept into a bow. "My lord, Whispered Blade wants an audience with you."
Vacuse raised his brows. Somehow, he knew what the independent Soulbearer was there for. "He can come in."
And a moment later the blade guy came into the room, a smile on his face as he bowed. "Dragon heir!"
Vacuse waved his hand. "Alright. What is it?"
Whispered Blade’s face became solemn. "My lord. It is about the people that are going to the Great Dungeon. I heard that the number is limited to ten, but I did not find my name."
"Yes. Your name is not included because you are not needed," Vacuse said bluntly.
Whispered Blade was not fazed by that. In fact, it seemed as if he did not hear, but his eyes hardened slightly. "My lord, I can say that it will be better to take me along instead of any of the stage ones. Or even Devour Bandit."
"Why?"
"Because I am stronger."
Vacuse liked that answer, and so he smiled. "Indeed. But strength is not the only reason that I choose my team. Harkon and Kagerou’s place can be debated... the same goes for Devour Bandit."
Whispered Blade froze, then he frowned and scratched his head. "Then let me take the place of any of the third stage."
Vacuse shook his head. "I refuse. Why should I?"
"My lord, I see that you are someone who values loyalty and potential. Let me pledge myself to you, and I can promise that I will surpass all the stage three you are taking with you in just a few years."
Suddenly Vacuse’s eyes became wary.
’...Who is behind you, Whispered Blade? I know that Blood Spike is behind Devour Bandit, but what about you, Whispered Blade?...’
And the reason why Vacuse was instantly wary was the fact that no independent Soulbearers would gladly throw themselves at a lord, no matter how grand the lord is.
Vacuse absolutely did not buy that bullshit. Independent Soulbearers are independent for a reason, most of them because they do not want to bow their heads to anyone.
And now, one of the strongest now wants to bow to Vacuse? Laughable!
But none of it showed in Vacuse’s face as he looked at Whispered Blade. Instead, he slowly shook his head. "I am not convinced."
A flash of impatience crossed Whispered Blade’s eyes, but he shrugged and scratched his head. "Then what can I do to convince you? Should I challenge those you picked that are in third stage, and you should see for yourself?"
Vacuse stared at him with an impassive face.
’...Is he from the Eastern Region? Is there any benefit in taking him with me instead of just keeping him here? Wait... wait... keeping him here in my castle?...’
Suddenly Vacuse frowned. He had been thinking of things in only a single way.
Whispered Blade might betray him if he took him to the Great Dungeon.
But what happens when he is left behind?
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