Chapter 54: Unexpected Visitor

Once seated, Zaos directed his attention to Ronik who had also taken a seat.

"The subjugation of the mercenary city is partially complete, and I will be speeding up the process in the upcoming weeks. I'll trouble you to report this to the clan," Zaos spoke calmly. His earlier sentiment was nothing but a fleeting thought.

"Of course. I'll make sure to pass your message on!" Ronik nodded enthusiastically.

Zaos gave a simple nod before asking.

"That aside, I'm here to inquire about the war. What do you know about it?" Zaos spoke in a serious tone.

The sudden shift in atmosphere dampened Ronik's earlier enthusiasm and his expression quickly turned serious.

"I only know a little bit," Ronik said with furrowed brows.

"After four months of war in the territory of the light elves, their borders were breached even with the reinforcements sent to aid them. When the other mystic humans caught wind of this result, their confidence was boosted and they decided to launch an all-out assault against the different elven tribes.

"I'm unsure of which mystic nations the other tribes are facing, but our dark elf tribe and the light elves are facing our counterparts; light mystics and dark mystics respectively," Ronik explained.

[The other elven tribes are probably facing something similar…] Zaos stroked his chin.

The mystic humans or mystics were divided into six races just like the elves. Each mystic race had its own society known as mystic kingdoms.

[Hopefully, the guardian clans can dispatch the invading light mystics, otherwise, this war will encompass the entire dark elf tribe…] Zaos released a soft sigh before returning his attention to Ronik.

"Does the clan have any specific plans for the war?" Zaos asked.

A full-scale war between two different nations was bound to create chaos. For an organization forced into the fringes of society, this was a chance for them to regain their former strength.

Ronik immediately shook his head, "I have no information about such matters, but I can ask the supervisor of this region when I meet him." He said.

The supervisor referred to a core member of the clan tasked to oversee this branch of the Qildor clan. Supervisors and investigators wielded similar levels of authority as they both have similar ranks.

"Alright," Zaos nodded at the idea.

He conversed with Ronik for a few more minutes before ultimately taking his leave. On his way back to his mansion, he pondered.

[This war might be an opportunity but also a hindrance to me. My arsenal of abilities is different from the norm here, large scale battles have a higher chance to expose my peculiarities to others…

[Yet, the chaos brought about by a war on this scale could aid in masking most of my actions…] He mused as he navigated the streets.

During large-scale wars, as long as one didn't draw too much attention to themselves, they could freely do whatever they desired as most of the population's attention would be focused on the war. For someone with myriads of secrets, this was an ideal environment.

[Being part of a large organization during these times is also a disadvantage. If I'm drafted to the war, I wouldn't be able to refuse if I want their protection during the war…

The problem lies with my abilities. I can't expose them in front of others which will severely limit my capabilities…

[But this is a war, I can't operate at less than my full power if I wish to make it out alive… ] A small frown crept onto his face.

[If I have to fight in this war, I might have to abandon my identity as Zaos… ] He thought as he arrived at his mansion.

Once inside, he summoned Meria to his bedroom.

"Mr lord," The wind elf maid bowed in acknowledgment. Her usual smile was absent, being replaced by a serious but empty expression.

"Did you receive any information concerning the war from the Qinhorn clan?" Zaos asked directly.

Meira shook her head, saying, "I wasn't informed on any of the specifics," she explained calmly.

[I guess I can't get information from them…] Zaos frowned his brows in disappointment. He was hoping to glimpse more information about the war from the Qinhorn clan. However, after giving it some thought, he concluded it was normal for Meira to be unaware considering her status in the Qinhorn clan.

"Alright, you may leave," Zaos ordered after realizing he couldn't get what he wanted.

Meria curtsied as she took her leave.

Left alone in the bedroom, Zaos pondered deeply on the war for a few minutes before ultimately deciding to get some sleep.

[Forget it, I'm stronger than I was when I arrived in this world, and with my new abilities, escaping when necessary wouldn't be a problem. I also possess a large amount of wealth, courtesy of Marvid. I can easily create a new identity without the constraints of this form's current relationships…] Zaos reassured himself.

He wasn't naive enough to believe that he could easily survive a war including so many high-level elves, an escape route was needed. So, with a solid plan in mind, Zaos lay on the bed, intending to get some sleep.

***

The next morning, Zaos was awoken by the sound of knocking on his door. He sprung up from his relaxed position and asked in a deep voice filled with mild annoyance.

"Who is it?" Zaos spoke.

"My lord, it is Meira." The maid's voice sounded from behind the door.

"What is it?" Zaos asked as he stretched his shift body.

"The leader of the Venom Order; Venom Panther requests an audience with you. He arrived at the black market a few minutes ago," Meira stated.

[Venom Panther? What does he want?]

"Have someone inform him that I'll be with him soon, and prepare a bath for me while you're at it." He ordered.

"May I prepare your breakfast too?" Meira asked.

After giving it some thought, Zaos responded, "There is no need, I'll have it after I return."

"Understood, my lord," Meira answered respectfully before rapidly retreating.

A few minutes later, Zaos exited the bedroom and headed to the bathroom. He washed up quickly before returning to his room and donning some clothes. Once finished, he left the mansion, heading straight to the black market in the underground cave beneath the mercenary city.

With swift movements, Zaos arrived at the tunnel leading to Darfin's office. The guards situated there had similar reactions to the pair from before, expressing their surprise at the stealthy arrival of their boss.

"Where is Venom Panther?" Zaos asked casually.

The guards quickly composed themselves and responded.

"He is inside the division leader's office, boss." A scrawny-looking dark elf answered.

Armed with this knowledge, Zaos made his way past the guards and into the office.

Similar to his previous visit, two elves sat opposite each other on wooden chairs separated by a luxurious wooden desk.

The elf on the larger chair propped against the wall was the earth elf: Darfin, while the elf on the chair opposite to him was a dark elf sporting a light set of metal armor; it was the Venom Panther.

[He seems on guard…] Zaos assessed, due to the latter's outfit and posture. A thought soon formed in his head and Zaos couldn't help but grin.

[Heh! This meeting will definitely be interesting… ]