Chapter 1323 (2/2)

“Very much so. They expose their applicants to… almost infectious images in order to make very sure that their operatives can resist something akin to a Nether King’s corrupting influence.” Then Octavius clasped his wide hands together. “But that’s just background; you asked about the benefits and costs if you do not succeed within the time limit. Really, it’s simple. In addition to those failed applicants as cheap workers for this deal, the Xyrt Brigade is offering up an amalgamation of their homeworlds for the Epic Danger Zone. Currently, the Xyrt Brigade provides a very generous amount of Aether to those worlds, per the agreement the applicants signed when they joined the Brigade. If Earth succeeds, the valuable raw materials of those worlds and that generous Aether allotment will become yours.

“Of course, if you fail to succeed before Earth becomes its own planet… the Xyrt Brigade will abdicate its responsibilities to provide Aether to those planets. Rather than a source of Aether, those worlds will become a constant drain on Earth, reducing the ambient Aether to something survivable… but much more restrictive on growth.”

Randidly tapped his jaw. Each motion was measured and heavy. “And this is all to get my attention, right? Well, they have it. What have they arranged so I won’t simply brute force the issue myself? They should be aware of my abilities.”

Arrogant to say himself, but he is not wrong… To Randidly’s words, Octavius nodded. “Indeed. Part of the old testing system is that a special investigator of the Xyrt Brigade will be present to look for exemplary elements. Which, considering your status as a Commander on the frontlines, you will qualify.

“His actions are bound so long as you don’t do anything to attract his attention, but if you move… he will be within his power to ‘test’ you. And let me assure you, that this is not a good thing: the special investigator is one Kaan Swacc. Unless you somehow managed to overpower him directly, there isn’t a shred of hope that this man will find your actions worthy of entrance into the Xyrt Brigade. Essentially, I suspect that he is here to beat you into submission and make sure the Earth fails the Xyrt Brigade’s test.”

“And how strong is he?” As Randidly Ghosthound asked the question, his eyes once more sank into that terrible coldness.

“Stronger than Lady Iellaya, at least. But it is difficult to tell exactly where he sits in the hierarchy of the Xyrt Brigade. So that’s why… I’ve pulled some strings for you. I believe that although its impossible to get around this test entirely… if you come with me to the Nexus tonight, we can get an advantage in the larger war. I’ve arranged for us to meet with someone from the Xyrt Brigade; with your strength, it will be simplicity itself to impress them. From there-”

“Isn’t there an easier way to impress the Xyrt Brigade right in front of us?” Randidly smiled again. And with each word, the temperature in the surrounding area dropped. He uncrossed his arms and flexed his hands, both metal and flesh. A dark haze seemed to hang around his body. “How will the Xyrt Brigade react if this special investigator that they sent gets killed? They seem like a rather rough-edged bunch, considering their training methods.”

Octavius’s mouth worked for several seconds before he could speak. “Well… you are right that they would see his death as the weakness of the investigator, rather than something worthy of retaliation… but the Swacc Family… no, no, no, besides that, there is practically no chance that you would be able to fight Kaan Swacc on equal footing.”

Randidly didn’t even bother to reply. He just smiled. The temperature had reached the point that frost began to creep across the ground. The haze around Randidly darkened. The silver energy that wreathed this place seemed to be swirling slowly around with the momentum of Randidly Ghosthound’s murderous thoughts. The mist crept in low tendrils toward Octavius’ feet.

“Besides, I’ve been monitoring the situation on Earth very closely since you’ve returned. You’ve… I’ve been very impressed by the temperance that you displayed, largely not interfering with the affairs of the planet. Is this not similar to those situations? Although you are powerful, your presence is the cause-”

“This and that are different,” Randidly said softly. “I let the Earth deal with its own problems… but this is a foreign entity coming to my planet… but I’m glad you brought up what I’ve let occur on Earth for the past several weeks.

“People have died because I haven’t acted. I could have prevented so many deaths. And there are problems that I know about, even now, walking around on the surface of the Earth. If I wanted to, I could eradicate them before they hurt people.

“But I won’t. Because I don’t need an Earth that is safe from these small dangers, I need an Earth that is prepared for the Big Danger that I know is coming. But I won’t lie to you; it has been a certain kind of torture to know that there are so many problems I could solve and I let them go. I try to distract myself with training, but…”

The Ghosthound’s smile stretched even wider. The shadows in the silver energy swirling around him started to look like a cackling monster. “Having something worth fighting is just what I need to vent some of this frustration right now.”

“He is stronger than you know,” Octavius said darkly, but Randidly Ghosthound just laughed.

And this time, Octavius Shrike felt genuine fear as he started to feel the powerful waves of Nether that were emanating from the young man in front of him. The haze had transformed into tongues of shadowy flame. Octavius’s image shrank back before the Ghosthound’s dark light. “Good. It’s really been too long since I’ve pushed at my limits.”