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Book 9: Chapter 74: Federation (4)

Deep within Ragnor territory, in their holy and most central city, a beautiful sight could be seen.

Roads built of energy stones, tall power buildings, and a palace at the center of it all that took up more than half of the city.

However, the place in question now was quite minimalistic in comparison to grand displays of wealth. It was designed with simple structures, but had a quiet elegance to it that breathed a scholarly air. This place was none other than the land of the Sapientia Clan.

In a dark office space reserved for the Clan Head, two figures sat. If those of the Ragnor upper echelon laid eyes upon the two of them, they would be immediately recognized.

One was an older man, brimming with vitality. He had calm eyes and a full head and beard of white. A simple crown wrapped around his forehead like a headband, shining a soft metallic bronze color.

The other was one Dyon would be shocked to see…. A long head of black hair, shining and piercing golden eyes… He wore a simple grey robe, but one sleeve seemed to be decidedly… empty? It was very clear that he had lost an arm by unknown means.

[Author’s Note: First person who understands why I bothered to write this detail and comments about it receives November Patreon chapters for 1$ ]

This man was none other than Connery Sapientia, the former Clan Head of the Celestial Universe Sapientia Clan, and now the current Head of the Ragnor Universes Sapientia Clan. As for was course of events led to these ends… It was impossible to know.

As for the bronze crowned man, he was none other than Odin the Sixth.

“What do you think, Connery?” Odin spoke with slow, deliberate tone. He seemed unhurried and confident without compare.

“Lord Odin, you know well that my Sapientia Clan doesn’t participate in wars or political affairs. Even if your Ragnor Clan should fall to the Pakals, we will continue on as their silent and neutral vassals.”

Neutral vassals? Who had ever heard of anything so ridiculous?

If those who understood Odin’s temperament were here, they’d believe Connery to be a dead man, but, surprisingly, his brows didn’t so much as twitch.  

“The Pakals have sent a request for delegation, but why would they do so? Are they not in the leading position, currently? After conquering that universe, why would they suddenly call us forward?”

Connery smiled silently, saying nothing. Yet, Odin still continued.

“… If, hypothetically, two warring nations of relatively equal power suddenly found out that one of them had gained an upper hand, what reason would the advantaged nation have to call for a truce?”

Connery blinked thoughtfully. “In such a case, maybe the advantaged state isn’t as advantaged as one might believe. Maybe they’ve paid a price for their façade, or are unwilling to pay a greater price for victory. They’ve won three step forward, but have voluntarily decided to take two steps back, either as a sign of good faith, to gain a future advantage, or maybe both.”

“I see.”

Without another word, Odin stood and left while Connery silently watch his receding back expressionlessly.

Not long afterward, he reached for a draw beneath the desk he sat behind. No… He seemed to reach for a draw, but his hand missed, reaching into seemingly empty space. But, magically, a draw suddenly appeared where his hand touched, revealing a small glimmering array a small envelop currently sat upon.

Calmly opening the letter, Connery read it line by line.

“Intelligence confirmed. The Pakals have conquered the Universe Spirit of Blood Universe as reported. They have sent delegation to the Ragnors in order to pressure them with this truth. With this victory, the two Clans are on a more equal playing field and will likely attempt to split control of Celestial Quadrant between the two of them. Neither seem to have any idea about the quickly approaching descent of the Ancient Battlefield.”

Blood Universe. Though Dyon had named it King Universe, due to the nature of the constant wars fought within it, both the Ragnors and Pakals named this territory Blood Universe in memory of the countless lives shed on its battlefield.

Connery nodded to himself as read this letter. Crumpling it in his one hand, a surge of energy rippled through it, destroying it in form and substance.

‘It seems that maybe I was too sensitive… It felt as though another hand other than our own Sapientia Clan was silently manipulating Celestial Quadrant…’

Connery frowned. He had an itchy feeling in his heart ever since the death of that Raven Clan scion. Though he too wanted a war to breakout, it didn’t pan out exactly as he would have hoped. With so much time still left to the battlefield’s descent, there were too many chances for them to settle down beforehand.

‘The oracles still say that the future of the Mortal Plane will be decided in this weak quadrant… It can’t be delayed any longer. Once the war reaches its climax, I will send the order to move out. By then, this whole ordeal will finally be over and I can return home.’

Connery closed his eyes, the thought of home filling his mind. It wasn’t long before the form of a woman appeared in his mind. She wasn’t extraordinarily beautiful, but she had a gentle air to her that made one want to draw closer.

A single tear fell from Connery’s cheeks.

In those silent moments, he was completely oblivious to the fact that in the corner of this very office, at this very instant, a nervous woman stood with her hands clenched to her chest, praying that the concealment array she stood behind didn’t falter.

This woman was none other than Madeleine’s former master, Evelyn Sapientia. The role she played in the coming events were immeasurable.