We said our goodbyes to Anne in private before North and I left for Dante’s place. As we flew, I reached out to the world core and summoned my companions back. One by one, their presence flickered in my mind like familiar sparks.
Dante’s manor stood in a quiet corner of the capital, away from the noise and lights. The place looked old but well-kept, surrounded by high stone walls and a wide courtyard. We landed softly on the paved ground.
North looked around with curiosity. "You know, this is my first time coming here," she said.
"Really? I thought since you trained with him, you must’ve been here before." I took her hand and started walking toward the main building.
She shook her head with a laugh. "Nope. Honestly, I doubt even Dante himself comes here often."
Before I could respond, the heavy wooden door opened on its own. A middle-aged woman in grey robes stood there, bowing slightly.
"Welcome, Master Billion, Madam North," she said politely. "Everyone is waiting for you inside."
"Thank you. Please lead the way," I replied.
We followed her through two long hallways lined with paintings and strange artifacts that glowed faintly with Essence.
Finally, the woman stopped before a wide double door and pushed it open. Inside, the air carried the faint scent of incense and strong liquor.
Dante sat in the center of the hall on a large sofa, his usual disguise hiding his true face. He looked calm, almost too calm, with one leg crossed over the other.
Behind him stood Anjee, towering and broad-shouldered even in his black robe. The tiger-man’s expression was stern, hands clasped neatly behind his back, his golden eyes sharp and alert.
To Dante’s left sat Primus, lounging comfortably in a chair with a glass in his hand. The demon looked far too relaxed, a faint grin tugging at his lips. His black robe hung loosely around him, almost like he didn’t care to wear it properly.
Across from him sat Steve, also in a black robe, swirling his drink with a bored expression that couldn’t hide his restlessness.
The whole setup made it feel like we had just walked into a secret council or a tavern meeting right before something big.
"Ohh, look, the lovely couple is here! All hail the guardians!" Steve said in a mock-dramatic tone, raising his glass like he was announcing royalty.
I rolled my eyes. "Is that morning alcohol talking, Steve?" I asked as North and I walked forward and sat down on the sofa across from Dante.
Steve leaned back and grinned. "Well, we don’t have a lovely girlfriend to carry around like you, so yeah, alcohol it is."
Primus lifted a finger lazily. "Nope. Don’t include me. I’m happily married."
"Same here," Anjee rumbled from behind Dante. "I’ve got a family back home."
Dante didn’t even look up. "I can get a woman whenever I want. I think the real issue here is you, Steve."
I nearly burst out laughing at that.
Steve froze mid-sip, the glass halfway to his mouth. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he downed the entire drink in one go and set the glass down with a soft thud.
"Sure. My apologies to all the old men in the room," Steve said, refilling his glass with exaggerated grace.
Dante placed his own glass down with a quiet clink and leaned forward slightly. "Alright, since everyone’s up and running, let’s discuss what we’re here for."
"First," he said, turning his gaze toward me, "Billion, Anjee has a proposal for you."
"Oh?" I glanced at the tiger standing behind him.
Anjee’s whiskers twitched the moment I looked at him. He adjusted his robe and gave a respectful nod before speaking. "Yes, Sir Billion. The Ferans are not your enemies. We are a proud race, yes, and we value strength and combat but overall, we are a civilized people. We only wish for what’s best for our kind."
His tone was oddly careful, almost pleading. I raised an eyebrow, glancing at Dante. "What’s he talking about?"
Dante smirked. "Yesterday, he went through your history and the records of your fights since you awakened. Let’s just say... he’s a little afraid."
I turned back to Anjee, who blinked twice and looked away, clearly uncomfortable under my gaze. "Afraid? Why would you say that?"
Anjee cleared his throat and straightened up. "Well... after reading about what you did on Peanu, and before that, the war on Holts, I realized that challenging you might not be the smartest thing for our race." He hesitated, then added, "You’ve... reached such strength before even reaching twenty years of age.’"
Steve snorted from the side. "He’s trying to say he doesn’t want to make an enemy out of you and not all Ferans are bad.’"
"I’m not that cruel," I said with a faint smile.
"Maybe not cruel," Dante murmured, "but certainly efficient."
Anjee looked like he wanted to sink through the floor. "Look, all I’m saying is the Ferans would prefer alliance over war. The missions happening now are from one clan, not the whole race."
I leaned back on the sofa, half-amused. "That’s fine by me. I have no reason to start a war."
Relief washed over him so fast his shoulders dropped. "Good. That... eases my heart."
I smiled, then added, "The only issue is a resource we both want. There will be competition, and yes, there might be deaths. But I don’t want to make enemies of an entire people. Of course, if the Ferans come after me, I will respond as I must."
"Fair," He said. "You have every right to protect yourself."
Anjee nodded hard, eager. His whiskers twitched as he spoke again. "So, what I want is simple. Help my family, the Sharka, rise to lead the Tiger clan, and in return the Sharka will stand with you as a strong ally whenever you need one."
I studied him for a moment. It was a bold ask, wrapped in old politics and pride. The Sharka pushing the Ranthors aside could shift power in the region. It could also mean allies when trouble came from beyond our borders.
"If I help, what exactly are you expecting me to do?" I asked. "Open a war for you?"
"No," Anjee said quickly, shaking his head. "Not war. Influence, demonstrations of strength. Show that the Sharka can protect the clan better. Make others trust us more. Small things that add up."
Primus tapped his glass, interested. "So, influence over show? I like this. Less noise, less chaos."
Dante finally spoke, eyes on me. "Think of it as insurance. A Tiger clan at your back when you face rivals or enemies."
I let the idea settle. It was tempting, a steady ally in the Tigers would help secure the resources without dragging Vaythos into a full conflict. It could also bind a proud race to my side through honor and mutual benefit.
"All right," I said slowly. "I’ll help."
Anjee’s eyes lit up, his tail giving a faint twitch. He bowed once, deeply. "You have my word, Sir Billion. We will not forget this."
"Sure. The road’s ahead. We’ll see how it turns out," I replied with a small nod, then turned toward Dante. "So, what’s next?"
The old man leaned back in his seat, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Next, I want you to wear these black robes. No reason. They just look... fancy."
I tilted my head, studying him. Since when did Dante care about fashion? That alone was suspicious.
He gestured lazily to the robes folded neatly on the table beside him. I reached for them and unfolded the fabric, it was heavier than it looked, finely woven, black with thin red stripes running along the sleeves.
Steve, lounging with a drink in hand, was already wearing one. The red shimmered faintly under the light. "Not bad, right?" he said, grinning.
I gave him a look, then examined the robe closer. That’s when I noticed the emblem, right over the heart. A circle with interlocked gears turning within it.
That was the same design as the mark burned into my chest, the tattoo I’d carried since awakening. The mark that pulsed faintly whenever Essence stirred too deeply inside me.