The Valemonts were a powerful family with more than a few powerful awakened beings. As a family that had been around for some time, they had a couple of S-Tiers to boast of.
Moreover, they had a seat at the Council and even had a territory of their own, one spanning more than half a galaxy.
This was not a simple family that anyone could mess with. They were capable of pushing their way to get what they wanted.
The Valemonts were a family that the Starbane forces had to be cautious of. Since this was a recent dispute, the situation had not escalated too much, as the Arkheons of the Valemonts focused on claiming the entire galaxy.
It was why they hadn't gone too far with the Starbane forces. Moreover, they were also being cautious as they knew who the head of the Starbane forces was.
It would be terrible if a certain someone were to get involved. For now, the Valemonts were pushing the Starbane forces cautiously.
"Tell me something, Father." Ross turned to his father a few moments later. "Who discovered this place first?"
This was something Ross needed to know before making a move. He didn't want to be on the oppressive side, even if he was the strongest around.
"..."
Ferlok did not immediately reply, his gaze shifting to the others around the table. They were all powerful hunters who had banded together to create the Starbane forces, so their bonds were strong.
"I can't speak for the Arkheons of the Valemont Family, but we found this place long before they appeared in an attempt to claim it," Ferlok explained. "Moreover, those bastards want the entire galaxy for themselves while we only want to make a base here."
"That's okay." Ross nodded, already knowing what to do. "The universe belongs to all of us, and only we, the inhabitants, have the right to claim what we set our eyes on."
The others nodded in agreement. But the problem still remained; the Valemonts.
"How are we dealing with this situation?" Ray asked after a while. "While we've had a bit of a scuffle with them, it hasn't been anything serious. However, this can only go on for so long. I fear…"
"You don't have to worry too much," Ross assured confidently. "I'll personally deal with them…"
With just that statement, he won the hearts of the hunters around, as they looked at him with awe and respect. Regardless of his age, they knew he was the strongest here; this was something they could all respect.
"Do you have a way of contacting the Valemonts?" Ross asked.
"Ah, yes…" Ray replied as he quickly brought up the open channel of the Arkheans onto the table display. Soon, a call was placed as they waited.
Several seconds later, a connection was established, and a response was received.
[Lord Ferlok…] The person who replied had a charming, feminine voice. It echoed inside the meeting chamber, mesmerising and soothing to the ears.
Naturally, no one was falling for those charms, as everyone had a hardened expression on their faces, except for Ross. They knew the person speaking on the other side.
[I didn't think you'd call so soon. Am I to take this as your willingness to surrender the territory?]
"What's her name?" Ross leaned closer to his father and asked in a low voice.
"She's Lady Serenya Valemont, the hunter in charge of the Arkheons here," Ferlok whispered back.
Ross nodded and turned to look at the communication line, "Lady Serenya, this is Ross speaking…"
[...]
No reply came after several seconds. Clearly, the woman recognised who Ross was, prompting her to take a few moments to process what it meant.
[Ross…] Serenya echoed, this time in a much serious tone. [I didn't expect to hear from someone like you…]
"You didn't, or you were hoping not to." Ross sneered, seeing through the woman's words. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we?"
Everyone around the meeting table looked at Ross like he had just done the impossible. With just his name, he compelled the woman to take him seriously.
While they knew this was because of his relationship with Alexander, it was still impressive. Furthermore, with how Ross spoke to her, it was clear that the redhead was not playing around.
"The Starbane forces have laid claim to this region." He continued without waiting for a response. "It would be in your best interest to forget about this territory."
[...]
The woman did not immediately reply, and Ross was willing to wait. After what felt like a minute, Lady Serenya finally replied.
[Lord Ross…] The woman began calmly. [Things aren't that simple. The Valemonts have had their eyes on this galaxy for a long time now. We have been in the process of claiming it when your Starnbane forces arrived.]
"Indeed," Ross interjected. "You were in the process of claiming it. The galaxy belongs to no one, and anyone who stumbles on an unclaimed territory has every right to claim it. This is what we, the Starbane forces, have done.
"It's as simple as that. Unless, of course, you have a problem with it." He challenged.
[You're putting me in a difficult position, Lord Ross. The — ]
"There's nothing difficult about this." Ross interrupted once more. "And you don't have to walk on eggshells around me. Alexander isn't going to interfere with this matter; I won't let him. I'll be dealing with your family myself."
Ferlok looked at his son and couldn't help but smile proudly. His son had completely taken control of the situation. Even if the woman was hesitant because of the person behind Ross, the fact still remained.
[Very well…] A renewed confident tone returned, making Ross nod appreciatively. [The Valemont Family isn't willing to give up on this galaxy. You mentioned this galaxy belongs to no one, correct?]
"Yes, I did." The redhead answered.
[Then you should also understand how things work…]
Serenya didn't have to say more. Everyone around the table understood what she was getting at. The Valemons wanted the galaxy, and the Starbane forces wanted a piece of it.
No one was willing to compromise… This left very little room for an amicable resolution. There was bound to be some form of fighting.
"Before anything else," Ross suddenly said. "Do you have proof of your claims? A log that shows that you arrived here before the Starbane forces did?"
[You want proof?] Serenya echoed, sounding surprised by the request. [We've passed that point, Lord Ross.]
"Doesn't matter," Ross replied flatly. "I want to see some logs now…"