Book 3: Chapter 46: The Offer

Book 3: Chapter 46: The Offer

After the Druid left, Zeke remained standing in place, his Heart pounding relentlessly. Never before had it acted like this. The overwhelming sensation of his racing blood was all-consuming, and he felt a wave of agitation wash over him.nôvel binz was the first platform to present this chapter.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

As he focused solely on his breathing, a sense of tranquility gradually enveloped him. The cool breeze brushed against his face, and he became aware of the sounds around himthe chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves in the wind. With each deliberate breath, his heart began to settle, the frantic beats gradually slowing down.

By the time he returned to his senses, his heart was back to beating in its regular, strong rhythm. He frowned down at his chest. His hand still clenching the amulet that kept the Dragon aura from leaking out.

This has gone on for too long. Well have words about this, he whispered.

.

I know you can hear me, you scaly cunt!

Nothing but silence greeted him, and Zeke didnt have any more time to waste. He had left the others waiting for too long already. But this affair had turned into something that could not be ignored anymore.

In a light jog, Zeke returned to the gathering at the back of the mansion. He arrived at a scene he had not expected. Odir was laughing uproariously, while Tristan stood next to him. The Bloodsword patriarch was cursing at the druid for some reason.

When he noticed his approach, Tristan stopped. However, he was still glaring silently in Odirs direction. Zeke looked around the small crowd, trying to figure out what had happened. The Druid was still smirking. Randell was quietly sipping his mug, wholly uninterested in the exchange.



Thankfully, Devlin was more helpful. Odir just informed us that you would be joining his druidic circle, he said. I guess congratulations are in order?

Zeke was confused. Congratulations? I was under the impression that joining the Druids would be more of a nominal appointment than anything else.

Nominal? Devlin asked in a disbelieving tone. You will have to go through the Ritual. Let me tell you, that comes with its fair share of risks. A good portion of Druids doesnt survive the procedure. And that is for Flesh Mages, with our malleable bodies. Who can say what were to happen if a Blood Mage attempted the same? I would highly discourage anyone from trying it.

Zeke took one more glance at Tristans fuming expression and realized what had happened. Odir must have announced that Zeke would be joining his tribe without clarifying any of the particulars. Now, he was left with no choice but to explain his situation to the three Valorians as well.

About that Zeke said hesitantly. Actually, I went through the ritual already.

For the second time today, he told an abridged version of his tale. While he talked, he could see Tristans expression turn from one of anger to one of shock, to one of deep contemplation. Zeke knew exactly what the man was thinking. He was no doubt wondering If Zekes prowess and strength stemmed from the ritual and if he could use it to strengthen his line.

Before Tristan could even ask, Zeke dashed his hopes. Unfortunately, my mentor never revealed anything about the procedure to me. Furthermore, as someone who has gone through the ritual, I am left with no choice but to join the druidic circle. And this is how we ended up here.

After he finished his explanation, nobody spoke for a while. They all seemed to be lost in contemplation. Eventually, however, Devlins curiosity got the better of him. So? What monster did you fuse with?

Zeke had long since prepared for this question. Without a moments hesitation, he spoke the name he had prepared. Basilisk.

What kind?

Emberglare Basilisk.

Ohh? Thats quite the menace! Devlin exclaimed. But I should have guessed, seeing your golden eyes. Its a shame that you are no Flesh Mage, turning into one of those would make you a real terror on the battlefield.

Zeke saw his chance to finally change the subject. Speaking about the war, how did things go at the front?

Devlins eyes sharpened. However, they softened again after a brief glare. Not great, and not terrible. But if you want to know about how the troops are doing, Tristan and Randell would know more. My Formweaver family doesnt fight on the frontline.

Zeke nodded. He was somewhat aware of the roles the three families of Valor each occupied. The Bone mages were the Shield, the Blood Mages the sword and the Flesh Mages were the eyes and ears.

However, Devlin added. I do share your belief that the empire is holding back. Despite knowing that they have been gathering strength for years now, their troop strength has not increased at all. This does not bode well for us

Randell snorted. More come More die



As the day turn to night, the others gradually started to leave. First to go was Devlin, who had to report the new information Zeke had divulged. Next was Randell, the giant merely got up and left without a single word of goodbye. The last was Odir, but before he departed, he made Zeke promise to visit the Irroch. He wanted to introduce Zeke to the other Druids even before the Harmony Eclipse festival.

Zeke had learned that the festival was still over a decade away, and easily agreed to the demand. It would be great to have someone like Odir to show him around if he ever found himself in Irroch. Pleased by the promise, the Druid even handed over a crudely carved flute. According to him, Zeke would be able to alert other druids to his presence with it.

He glanced at the instrument, but the plain piece of wood did not inspire much confidence. However, he thanked the man for the present, and after being almost squeezed to death by a literal bear hug, the Druid left as well. Eventually, the only two who remained were Zeke and Tristan.

So, the man said, did you enjoy yourself? As he spoke, he was glancing meaningfully at the considerable assortment of empty mugs laying behind Zeke.

Zeke blushed a little. He had not meant to drink so much. Initially, he had not dared to drink anything at all for the risk of losing his wits. However, the tantalizing smell of the berry wine won him over in the end. And as the mood continued to relax, so did Zekes guard against the delicious brew.

Only with the help of his [Perfect Body Control] did he manage to stay somewhat alert even after drinking as much as the two giants Odir and Randell.

I had a good time, and learned a lot, Zeke said with a content smile.

Despite the rocky start, he was glad to have come. The new Blood Magic spells alone had made the trip worth it. He would have his hands full over the next few weeks implementing them in his style.

Excellent, excellent, Tristan said with a somewhat slurred speech. Despite being Arch Mages, the beverage seemed not to have any reduced effect on the others. I honestly didnt mean to ambush you like this Sorry for that.

Alls well that ends well, Zeke said with a casual wave. I managed just fine, and even got a trophy out of it.

Zeke showed off the flute Odir had gifted him. Both he and Tristan observed the pitifully carved block of wood for a moment before both burst out laughing.

You know Tristan eventually said after they had calmed down. Devlin was right My original aim had been to recruit you for my Bloodsword family. I thought it would be a done deal when I heard that you had to flee the empire.

Imagine my surprise when I heard what you had managed in a mere two months. From a penniless beggar to the rising star of Tradespire? Nobody would have even believed such a story.

To be fair, the rumors are exaggerated, Zeke interjected. I wasnt exactly penniless when I came here.

Still, its not a feat just anyone could manage, Tristan said in a serious tone. The moment I heard about it, I knew that my hopes were in vain. A man like that has his own ambitions. However, for formalities sake, I will extend the offer nonetheless.

If you were to join, I would allow you to marry whichever girl you want. My daughter? That girl Mina? Just say the word. I would even agree to more than one within reason. Also, I would allow you to form a separate family branch, only subordinate to the position of Patriarch. All of my fathers Magic research would be at your fingertips. If you are serious about fighting the empire, I can not think of a better position.

What about the von Hohenheim household? Zeke asked.

You would be allowed to retain them as your personal force. They would not be part of the family, but as I understand it, thats not much different from how it is now.



Thats quite the offer, Zeke said. Is there a special reason for the royal treatment?

Thats just how much a Perfect affinity is worth, Tristan stated. I have seven wives but in my two hundred years, Ive only ever had four children. I wouldnt mind getting some backup on that front.



Zeke choked on his drink, causing Tristan to chortle. Zeke had not expected him to be this blunt about his intentions. However, a silence descended soon after as Zeke considered the deal. It was a good offer, much better than he had expected. However

Ill have to think about it, Zeke said.

With a sigh, Tristan got up. I recognize a No when I hear one but thats fine. Remember this: my offer stands for as long as I am still the patriarch of the Bloodsword family. But it is growing late.

He turned around and grabbed something from a servant waiting out of sight. With one step, Tristan appeared in front of Zeke. He held out a colorfully wrapped package.

Thats a reward for the help you provided today. Open it when you get home, Tristan stated. Now get your ass back into that fancy schmancy airship of yours and fuck off, he added playfully before strolling back to his manor.