Chapter 240 General Xithora's Concerns

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Ezra looked at Kieran silently for a moment.

Even though arrogance weaved into his tone, Ezra somehow felt it didn’t originate from a place of conceit.

No, she thought it was something Kieran truly believed and felt it was possible to accomplish, provided he had enough time to grow.

Eventually, Ezra’s expression softened into an expectant smile. “I hope that’s true. I wouldn’t mind watching a show. And... should you ever need help, know that you’ll have a shoulder to lean on. Thanks to your opportunities, Advent is acclimating well inside this new kingdom.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Kieran smiled charmingly and crossed his arms against his chest. “You know, the future is a fickle entity where nothing is cemented. So how could you know I’ll always have a shoulder to lean upon? What if something outside of our control were to happen? What would you do then?”

“I-...” Ezra stammered and fell silent while considering the meaning of Kieran’s question.

She had experienced it many times—alliances dissolving due to more attractive offers coming alone despite the trust fostered in the previous relationship.

As Ezra thought about this, her sparkling eyes dimmed. “I’m not that untrustworthy. Believe me. I wouldn’t betray your trust because a more enticing offer has appeared. You were the first to help me, and I should honor the respect you’ve given me.”

“I see,” Kieran nodded with a meaningful expression. “I want to trust your words, but only the future will tell, Ezra. Until then, you’re in my good graces for always warning me despite our somewhat shallow relationship.”

After speaking, Kieran slid off the table and onto his feet with a low groan.

For some reason, Torment’s Belief: Dull didn’t activate all. But Kieran remembered why when he recalled the specifics of the passive.

It was a passive ability triggered only in battle.

Outside of combat, he would be akin to a regular person, incapable of ignoring large amounts of damage. Fortunately, his Constitution contributed to how dreadful the pain was.

Coupled with General Xithora’s healing, it became somewhat manageable.

Ezra noticed Kieran’s grimace and frowned. “With the increased realism, I wouldn’t advise you to move about so much in that state. Won’t it exacerbate your injuries?”

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” Kieran shook his head, trying to appease Ezra’s worries. “I had someone healing me; they’re just on break for the time being. It’s the perfect time to stretch.”

Crackles echoed within the large healing room as Scar clenched his fist. “I’ll take care of it. Not everyone within the council is corrupt. That’s the reason so many factions exist. I know who to speak to.”

“At the very least, it must be a High General capable of contending with High General Garam’s influence,” General Xithora remarked.

“I’m aware, and I know just the person. In fact, General Zieg should be closely related to them,” Scar answered before glancing at the silent Kieran, who bore an inquisitive gaze. “Speaking of which, the boy is healed enough to walk about, correct?”

“Correct. His life is no longer in danger, and his wounds have healed substantially. Of course, I still recommend that you exercise caution.”

“Understood,” Scar nodded. Afterward, he whistled and gestured for Kieran to come.

Kieran naturally walked over a few seconds later, and Scar wrapped his large arm around Kieran’s shoulder. “I’ll be taking you to claim your rightful prizes for your accomplishments. We’ll most likely have to meet with General Zieg. Are you up to it?”

Kieran furrowed his brows with a peculiar expression. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“What a bold little boy you are. Not even worried that you almost killed someone on their road to becoming a Lieutenant?” Scar chuckled lightheartedly.

“As I said before, those were the repercussions. The transgressions of that event were Thrax’s fault. An eye for an eye is a principle I have and will always abide by,” Kieran said without the slightest fluctuation in his voice.

Kieran’s stoic stance made Scar grin. “Hahaha! Excellent answer. You reap what you sow, as simple as that. Nothing in life is without consequences.”

After clapping Kieran’s shoulder, Scar guided him through the spacious halls of the headquarters. Despite having seen it a few days priors, Kieran remained mystified by the headquarters’ marvelous structure and exquisite design.

Eventually, Scar led Kieran to an open area that resembled a throne room for other purposes. A large stone tablet with deep and archaic etching was located in the center of the room.

Kieran approached it and dragged his finger across the surface, sensing a familiar sensation buried deep within the etchings of the stone tablet.

“Does this stele have any meaning?” Kieran questioned.

Scar glimpsed at the stone tablet in question and examined it. Although the War Deity Council took good care of the item, its exterior exhibited signs of inevitable time-induced erosion. Its age was unknown, but it was undoubtedly an item that spanned eras.

The item’s undetermined age made it so Scar couldn’t glean anything from it even after activating his extraordinary eyes.

“I’m not sure, kid. It seems like it’s unusual, but it’s something beyond me. These don’t seem like runes despite having a similar structure.”

“I see,” Kieran muttered in a dazed voice. He felt the same way. The characters reassembled runes, but he was completely unfamiliar with them. However, he couldn’t ignore the fact he was drawn to them.

“Follow me,” Scar ordered, pressing his hands against two large black doors with a golden design in the form of a Merkaba that spun and disintegrated after confirming Scar’s identity.

Inside the room was General Zieg standing beside another figure, seemingly amidst conversing.