Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 373: Attending the Noble Guests

“Lord Draco, Master Slazza, this is the Iron-body Gorilla Clan, those in charge of Iron Territory.”

Unblinking, both Isaac and Slazza scanned over the people at the gate. Their focus was on three large gorillas, particularly the broadest and eldest one in the middle of the group.

“I’m Bradok, territory leader here. Please, tell me who it is that honors me and my territory with their presence.” Bowing respectably, Bradok showed the traits of a well-trained gentleman. And though Rhyner was a little surprised to see the new gorilla, he played along perfectly with some telepathic aid from Vloz at the side.

Smirking, Slazza stepped forward. “I am Slazza. You will address me as Master Slazza, and I have come here on assignment from West Quadrant. As proof, I come with your prefecture lord, Lord Isaac Draco, and your regional king, King Rhyner Trighton.”

Immediately, the entire group dropped to one knee and bowed in unison. Bradok spoke up while not daring to look up. “Master Slazza, Lord Draco, King Trighton, it’s an absolute honor to have you here, personally visiting our humble territory!”

“Good, good. You already understand the difference between our statuses,” commented Slazza, relishing in the menial worship.

“Of course, Master Slazza. Please, is there anything we can do to aid you? Will you be staying for some time?” Bradok asked.

.....

“I’ve come on matters of investigation. I’ll likely remain here for as long as a sun while handling my duties here,” replied Slazza. “Tell me, does your small territory have a mine, perchance?”

Bowing while stepping forward, Vloz prostrated to the armored man. “Yes. we have a mine in the mountainside to the south.”

“What sort of mine?” Slazza blinked after recognizing Vloz’s rare species.

“One for magicite ore.”

“Hmmm...” Lord Draco sighed in thought as he began to smile. “So, there is a magicite mine here?”

“Of course. We wouldn’t dare lie. Would you like me to show you?” asked the leopard.

“That would be best!” laughed Isaac. “Come, Slazza! Let’s relish in my mine!”

Clicking his tongue, Slazza chuckled, “Excuse me, but you shall not be joining. Not until the other representatives arrive. It’s likely they’ll arrive before the last sunset, so wait patiently.”

“Huuhhh... fine.. Then I’ll see what this budding city has to offer. I don’t remember hearing about a city existing on the border, but, hopefully, it’ll be worth my time,” Isaac sighed, not pushing further.

“What is your name, leopard?” Slazza asked.

“Vloz.”

“Alright, Vloz, lead the way. I’m glad to have someone to answer my questions as well.”

Nodding, Vloz turned and began walking away. “Of course, Master Slazza. Whatever question you may have, I’ll do my best to answer.”

While Vloz and Slazza began strolling through town, Rhyner and Isaac circled Bradok while eyeing him over. Grinning badly, Isaac asked, “So, the Iron-body Gorillas chose my prefecture in the end? Does that mean you’ll be staying?”

“So far, yes,” answered Bradok, carefully eyeing Rhyner. “We’ve always liked the idea of settling down, so why not here. Hopefully, it proves beneficial to stay in the Nova Prefecture compared to others.”

“Churn out another champion like Dioro, and we’ll become best of friends!” Isaac laughed, appreciating Bradok’s calmness. “Is this your first time meeting someone of my status?”

“Yeah... but you’re not as intimidating as I’d expected. That’s only because you’re not threatening us though, so that doesn’t really count.”

“Oh, bold words for a territory leader!”

“I’ve fought and befriended kings many times over, so my boldness isn’t anything new.” Glancing back at Rhyner, Bradok cheekily grinned, “If you’d like, Lord Draco, I’m sure I could have some fun with King Trighton for your entertainment...”

“Tempting, but no. There’s no reason to create tension in your rising territory and your region’s new king,” replied Isaac. “You said you’re friends with kings? Is that because you’re nearly a king yourself?”

“Ha! Not quite, but I’ve fought some kings to a draw!”

“Really? Perhaps you’re like your fellow gorilla, Dioro. Do you know him?”

Sighing, Bradok nodded. He pointed to the gorilla beside him. “This is Ania, my daughter, Dioro’s wife... and widow.”

“Widow? Then... I apologize.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Ania stated, shaking her head softly. “Dioro passed protecting us and he died with honor.”

“If I may ask, was Dioro able to produce offspring before he gave up the ghost?”

“Yes... but our son died in a bandit raid roughly a year ago.”

Suddenly, fiery embers burst from Isaac’s eyes. He scoffed to himself, furiously cursing Lord Zrand in his mind. “How tragic! I’m sure he would’ve become tremendously powerful, just like his father.”

“Yes... Dioro had always thought our boy would surpass him,” explained Ania, snatching Isaac’s full attention. “After Dioro saved our boy from a dragon, he passed away. And then, I was too weak to save our son from the bandit raid... They had a king, yet-”

“I’ve heard about the recent raids, and I’m sorry for your losses! Such losses are not only yours but losses of the Nova Prefecture!” Isaac shouted, filling the air with his pride.

Rhyner then asked with a raised eyebrow, “Haven’t you a contender for the mortal championship? One with perfect affinity?”

“Why yes. Vloz’s private pupil...” Ania replied, playing along.

Lord Draco’s eyes lit up with passion yet again. “You do? You have such a candidate here?”

“Yes. Would you like to meet her?”

“Her?”

Hurdo, the third gorilla present, chuckled, “Of course, he would. Come, we’ll take you to the fox estate to meet her before we show you our growing town.”

Isaac eagerly followed his gorilla escort. Hearing confirmation of Rhyner’s reports only excited him more. With a magicite mine in this tiny territory and a mortal with perfect affinity here as well, the prefecture lord was already lifting Iron Territory higher up within his list of prefectural priorities.

And the moment he reached the gate to the fox estate, Lord Draco’s essence swept through the area. Instantly, he began cackling as his grin stretched from ear to ear. “She really has it... perfect affinity? I can’t wait to test her myself.”

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