Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 387: Listen Carefully

“First, we’ll touch on the subject of Brak. He’s not merely a petty lizard. Isn’t that right, Treeda?”

Still recovering from shock, Treeda blinked and nodded. “Yeah... There’s nothing to worry about for now, but knowing more wouldn’t be bad.”

Turning to face Vloz and the gorillas, the man explained, “This is a minor topic, so I’ll be quick. But never forget how powerful his grudges are. Brak’s species and clan are powerful. For now, they can’t do anything to you without facing major repercussions. But we’ll remain mindful of them. Understood?”

“I second that,” Zelsh agreed.

“Then I’ll make sure to be extra careful with him,” jested Vloz, getting a nod from the man.

“Now, onto the real topic at hand...” the man sighed and scanned over the room once more. “Draco is far too ignorant and prideful to let Netra’s abilities be known to the public.”

Treeda asked, “Does that mean she’s a real contender?”

.....

“In my opinion, without my interference, she would’ve given Oli a run for his money in the mortal championship.” Everyone was a little surprised to hear that. But Bradok, Zelsh, and Treeda were all astounded, and their faces showed that. The man continued, “She’s a rare talent, one the quadrant would want pampered and groomed for the mortal championship. Even if she didn’t win, she might become strong enough to represent the quadrant, come time for the global tournament.”

Vloz lifted his tail in question. “I thought the quadrants never held such an exhibition, and never tested for the true champion?”

“That’s half true and half false. The quadrants still pit their best champions against each other to find the four strongest mortals,” answered the man. “Any territory, region, or prefecture that can produce a representative for the quadrant in that secret tournament receives incredible boons. So, if Draco were to keep Netra’s potential hidden and have her tear through the tournament, she’d likely be guaranteed a spot as a representative. That’s Draco’s true goal.”

Treeda added, “It’s one of the highest honors a prefecture can receive. Perhaps, if war broke out between quadrants, there would be a higher honor that existed. But without war, this is the closest the quadrants come to doing battle, testing how strong their future generations might become.”

Blinking, Ania asked, “Does that mean... Dioro participated in that hidden tournament?”

All eyes were locked onto the man, especially Treeda’s and Zelsh’s.

The man chuckled, noticing the anticipation on the wyrm’s and dragon’s faces. “Just as you two participated in that secret tournament in the past, so did Dioro.”

“And... How did Dioro fair?” Zelsh asked, even more excited than Ania.

“... He outperformed you both. That much I can say,” chuckled the man.

“Then, he made it to the final four?” questioned Treeda, startled.

The man shrugged. “That’s hard to say... There were a few disturbances that year, so the global exhibition was cut short.”

“WHAT?!!” Treeda and Zelsh shouted in unison.

“It was warranted,” added the man. “However, the final four were never chosen that year... Though, from a technical standpoint, Dioro was the only participant with a perfect record before the exhibition was canceled.”

“A perfect record?!” again, Zelsh shouted in suspense, slinking down onto the ground. He laid there, staring at the ceiling, too baffled to say another word or share another thought.

Looking back to those out of the loop, the man explained, “In case you haven’t noticed, those chosen as prefecture lords all participated in that secret exhibition. And if someone performs well enough, they’re put on the fast track to governing their own region, and potentially a prefecture. Brak is the perfect example, as is Zelsh.

“And with Netra’s unique abilities and teachings paired with her perfect affinity, it creates a combination that would earn Isaac Draco an enormous boost in wealth and influence for at least one hundred years. And should he produce another representative during that hundred years, it will increase again. And so the cycle continues. It’s how the most powerful prefectures maintain that status.”

Abruptly, Bradok asked, “And that’s why you want Oli entering under Treeda and not Draco? Because she’s easier to work with?”

The man nodded. “That’s correct... If only you had accepted to participate in the past, maybe our job would be a little easier now.”

“Nah, I’m nothing special. Not like Dioro, or my boy, Oli!” Bradok boomed.

Caught off guard, Vloz’s head darted toward the old gorilla. “You could’ve-”

“Shush, you house cat! Listen to him,” Bradok shouted, motioning for the man to continue.

Laughing, the man sighed, “You apes have always gotten me to laugh with your strange ways of living... Either way, that’s what I wish, for Oli to enter under Treeda’s prefecture. And I have no problem with Netra also becoming a representative. But we can’t let Draco hide this with the issue of the mine at hand. So, I have an idea. Listen carefully, as you’ll have to discuss this tomorrow.”

Everyone hunkered down and gave the man their full attention even though his eyes were mostly on Treeda and Zelsh, with occasional glances to Bradok and Vloz.

A few homes over, there was a knock at the door. But the visitor didn’t wait for a response and entered anyway.

“So, Brak, how do you feel?”

“Lady Inka...” Brak groaned, pausing his meditation.

A sarcastic grin covered Inka’s face. “Sorry, but I’m not here to heal anything. I’m merely checking in on you, making sure your leash is properly tightened.”

“What they did was-”

“You caused that situation, Brak. If you’re so against my way of handling things, then wait a few years till Lord Zrand returns and file a report. Or go crawling back to your clan, and see how they handle your insubordination... What? What’s wrong? You’ve gone silent again,” scoffed Inka.

“If you have anything to say, then speak now. Otherwise, I’ll leave you with a final warning. Act out of order again, then I’ll be dealing with you personally. And my husband isn’t here to stop me. Get the picture?”

“... Yes, Lady Inka.” Brak nodded sorrowfully.

Chuckling and shrugging, Inka shook her head. “Whatever will we do with you, Brak? ... You should be lucky you have shelter in Tempest. Rest for now. Your punishment is over for the time being, unless Treeda has anything else in mind while we’re here.”

With those last few words, Inka left the house and slammed the door shut. Brak growled and snarled but couldn’t do anything to stand up for himself. He had to focus on meditating and healing his wounds.

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