Book 4: Chapter 70: Consolidation

Book 4: Chapter 70: Consolidation

Send the next one in, Zeke ordered with a tired voice.

A moment later, the door to the study opened, and a large Chimeroi with bull horns and a nose ring walked in. The man would probably tower over an average human by at least two heads, and his massive muscular frame gave him an intimidating air. However, Zeke didnt even look up, focusing on the document in front of him instead. The Chimeroi, for his part, stopped in front of his desk and waited in silence.

In the quiet of the study, the only thing that could be heard was the giant's loud breathing and the nervous fidgeting of his hooved feet. To any observer, it would appear as if he was far more afraid of the boy sitting in front of him than the other way around.

Your name is Blackhorn? Zeke asked without looking up.

Yes, Master, the man replied.

And you were a guard before?

Yes, Master.

Zeke finally looked up, meeting the mans eyes. Did you ever torment, abuse, or kill anybody without being ordered to?

The man remained silent for a long time, thinking. No, Master, he replied eventually.

Zeke eyed him for a moment longer before returning his gaze to the page in front of him. He added a few lines before asking his next question. How did you end up as a member of the Ember Scar Cartel?

Blackhorn frowned and hesitated. Wanted to fight In the Rings Signed a contract Firebrand School.

Zeke nodded in understanding. How long have you been working for the Ember Scar Cartel?

Long time, Blackhorn replied.

Zeke nodded and finished the last line on the paper. He then put it down and looked at Blackhorn with a severe gaze. I am going to make you an offer, but you have to give me an answer right now, understood?

The Chimeroi nodded.

My offer is for you to join the new force I am creating and for you to work for me from now on. This position comes with three large meals a day, a place to stay, and 50 copper a month in wages.

Blackthorns eyes bulged comically.

Furthermore, I want to make a change to the Slave contract between you and me, Zeke explained. Afterward, you will no longer be bound so heavily, and you will no longer die when I die.

The Chimeroi remained silent, well aware that Zeke wasnt finished.

The downside is that it will be impossible to transfer your contract to anybody else ever again. This means you will most likely have to serve me until the day I die.

Blackhorn stared at Zeke for a moment longer before speaking up. Is all?

Zeke nodded. That is all.

Blackhorn didnt hesitate. Accept!

Zeke smiled and closed his eyes for a moment. In his Soul-Form, he grabbed Blackhorns Soul fragment and shoved it back into the Chimeroi. The giant staggered, shook his head, and stared at Zeke in wonder.

It is done, he said warmly. You can go down to the large hall and grab something to eat.

What news? Zeke asked, returning his attention to Leo.

The men returned

Zeke nodded, waiting for the rest of the explanation. Leo was most likely referring to the people he had sent out to chase after the remnants of the Firebrand School. It would be good if they had managed to catch them. At this point, only two people remained at large.

They caught the head instructor. He refused to surrender and was killed in the ensuing fight, Leo said.

That was good news. Of the remaining two, he was definitely the larger threat. Even so, Zeke was far more interested in the last one. What about Jaihar? he asked.

Leo grimaced. They found him too. However, they werent able to bring him back.

Is he dead?

No. He sought refuge with somebody we didnt dare offend casually.

Who? Zeke asked curiously.

The Varun family.

Zekes eyes narrowed. The Varun family was the wealthiest in Korrovan, owning the Treasure Pavilion and many other affluent businesses. They were indeed somebody he wouldnt dare to offend. Whats more, it was questionable if he could get to Jaihar even if he threw caution to the wind. After all, such a wealthy family was certainly not weak.

More importantly, he needed to maintain a good relationship with them for the moment. After all, he still intended to buy Snow at the auction in a few days. It had been delayed by two weeks due to the storm, but the new date was swiftly approaching. Even so, he wasnt willing to give up on Jaihar just like that. The man had made an attempt on his life, and Zeke had sworn to have his revenge.

The question was why were they even helping him?

As far as he could tell, siding with Jaihar wouldnt be beneficial to them. On the contrary, they were even going against several powerful people who wanted his headZeke, Ravi, and the Nair family. It didnt seem to be a wise move. There had to be something going on that he didnt yet know about. Did Jaihar have a secret backer?

Well, whatever. He would deal with this matter after the auction; if this led to a falling out with the Varun family, he would prefer it was after he had already acquired Snow.

He nodded at Leo, signaling his brother that it was fine. Understanding his meaning, Leo turned to leave. However, before he could take a step, a new visitor entered through the open door in a flash.

Zeke frowned at the interruption. Since when did people barge in here like that? However, he reserved his rebuke for the moment, seeing the flustered state of his visitor. The Chimeroi had come to a halt in front of his desk, fidgeting and staring at him with a penetrating gaze.

Zeke raised a single brow. What is it, Kraal?

Master, we have a visitor, the woman said, her voice full of tension.

So? Zeke inquired, his confusion mounting. Dozens of people visited them each day, either to inquire about their circumstances or to curry favor following the change in leadership. Yet, Zeke had not personally met with any of them.

Do you remember how the old Master said he had called for an expert to deal with his illness? This is him, Kraal explained.

Zeke was slightly intrigued. So, this was the person who knew about Soul damage? He would like to meet them, but it still didnt explain why Kraal was so nervous. Even if doctors and healers had a very high status, it shouldnt be a reason for her to be acting like that. What else?

Kraal hesitated for a moment, nervously stroking one of her tiny grey horns. I-I am not quite sure, but I think Ive met him before.

Zeke waited, eager to hear more about this. However, he wasnt prepared for Kraals following words. I believe he is the leader of the Spectral Dominion.

Zeke gaped at her, his brain grinding to a halt. What? Who was here? Slowly, the shock abated, and his thoughts caught up. Did he miscalculate after all? Did the man come to annex this territory? No, that was unlikely.

Damn that old man, calling such a person over before his death. Curses aside, there was no use crying over spilled milk. There was nothing left to do but to meet with the most powerful gang leader in Undercity.

Lead the way.