Chapter 1328 (2/2)
“I suspect that even considering the strength of Earth and my presence… that the Nemesai are not yet completely out of options.” Randidly gave another sidelong glance to Octavius, who looked up at the ceiling as though this had nothing to do with him. He had already refused to provide any hints on this matter. Randidly pursed his lips and turned back to the Winged Serpent. “But before we bare all of our knives… I’d like to make you an offer. Instead of working as a Nemesai… come work with me. I believe I can find ways to help your home planets.”
Suddenly, Octavius Shrike was very interested in the conversation. He frowned balefully at Randidly. “Mr. Ghosthound, I believe we had a talk about attracting the wrong sort of attention in the past. Those reasons are still valid. And establishing connections to other Cohorts will definitely bring trouble. It was your actions on Tellus that got you into this trouble in the first place.”
Randidly glanced sideways. Nether swirled in his chest. “Isn’t the Earth already being targeted by outside forces?”
“Their test of the Earth is a pretext because they don’t have sufficient justification to move against you directly.” Octavius’s expression was stony. Some of that vast primordial creature’s power emanated from the overseer’s body in his agitation. “Believe me, you don’t want to lose the protection you have now, however flimsy that is.”
Randidly smiled sadly but said nothing. He thought about the brief moment of pressure from Elhume that had shattered his Class in an instant. He recalled the way all of his meaning and memories he had woven into his Class had been strangled in a split second. And then he also thought about Ileot Swacc’s strange power that had created such a strange situation for Vualla.
But what Randidly had learned through those experiences was that there were different threats present in the Nexus. He was currently being targeted by the Swacc Family. And for whatever reason, despite his connections to Yystrix, Elhume was leaving him alone.
After discovering Yystrix’s tomb and having some time to process, Randidly began to believe that while Elhume was to be avoided at all costs, for now, one more excuse for the Swacc Family to move against him wouldn’t matter much. After all, he was currently planning on dealing with the Xyrt Brigade Special Investigator. Somehow, Randidly guessed that a victory in that regard would rid the Swacc Family of scruples either way.
Of course, Randidly planned on tracking down Yystrix’s memories and confirming the situation before he did anything drastic. He didn’t want to walk into anything blind. But there was no harm in making the offer to the Nemesai now. Especially because Randidly genuinely meant what he said. He had no personal grudge against them.
They were simply fulfilling their role. Trying to obtain Aether for their people.
Randidly’s gaze remained fixed on the Winged Serpent. After another few seconds of wiggling tongue, the Winged Serpent nodded slowly. “...I will consider this. Thank you for the offer, regardless, Mr. Ghosthound.”
Then the Nemesai departed. Randidly turned to Octavius. “Thank you for coming. I’m sure the effect wouldn’t have been near as pronounced if you were not here.”
“It is no problem. But I almost believe that you are misleading these people, Randidly Ghosthound.” When Randidly tilted his head to the side, Octavius cleared his throat and continued to speak. “Power is one thing, but it often comes up short. Meanwhile, the real danger of the System is the roles it gives out… these people now fear me because of my image, but it is my Status as ‘Overseer’ that could really doom your world.”
Octavius' gaze continued to grow more intense. Randidly responded with a sharp smile. Further and further, deeper and deeper, the Nether in Randidly’s chest swirled. This was an area that Randidly was distantly aware, but couldn’t worry about now. He had some knowledge about the different tiers of citizenship, but he had no idea how the Nexus was structured. And face with the disapproving Octavius, Randidly sensed this was not the time to ask.
One more thing to worry about, then. Randidly thought grimly.
The moment passed and Octavius nodded. “Well then, if there is nothing else, I’ll be taking my leave.”
“Take care,” Randidly said simply. Then the Overseer raised his hand and simply ripped open a passage in the air to travel away.
...impressive, but not as classy as using a key…
Finally allowing himself to fully relax, Randidly carried Acri and Sulfur and quickly moved to the side of the ballroom. From there, he passed through the employee hallway and out onto the moonlight soaked hills. With the floating lanterns that Tatiana prepared, hundreds of people still milled around laughing and talking. Due to the tight control he maintained over his image, no one noticed his presence.
For the moment, he was the observer and they were observed.
In the darkness next to the austere ballroom, Randidly smiled sadly as he looked over toward the group. Then, deliberately, he turned away from the group and produced his Philosopher’s Key while facing the wall. Even normally, I wouldn’t be very excited about attending a group gathering. But now, knowing that I need to face Kaan Swacc in his role as special investigator…
Randidly’s grip on the Philosopher’s Key tightened. Even with tonight acting as a catalyst… even with the improvements to my Nether with the Dreamcatcher of the Long Night… this will be a tough fight. I need to start training immediately-
“Randidly, are you fleeing from your own party?”