"To survive what's coming, how about we temporarily join forces?"
The phrase seed to have wearied Kazuki. For a proud warrior, asking for an alliance was an admission of weakness.
"What exactly are you proposing?"
Priam had many secrets, and most were not ant for the hoplite to learn. Nevertheless, outright refusal would be foolish. Information was the sinews of war, and Kazuki seed willing to talk.
"The environnt is growing increasingly hostile. Without a strong base, survival in the wilderness will beco complicated."
"Log-a-rhythm - my base - piqued your interest," Priam understood. "What's in it for ?"
"An extra pair of arms to protect your base against those seeking to occupy it."
Instantly, an image of a certain homunculus flashed in Priam's mind.
"Do you have information on our... rivals?"
Kazuki smiled. "So that I could share with an ally. The first being that we are not in a position of strength."
"...I see."
The proposition was intriguing, but Priam was caught off guard. He needed ti to think. With a thought, he asked Log-a-rhythm to serve them a drink.
The leaves rustled before a root pierced the ground between them. Fanning out, it ford a bowl before magically filling with an amber liquid.
"I've forgotten my hospitality," Priam said, gesturing to the bowl. "Please, help yourself."
Kazuki thanked him with a nod before reaching for the liquid. The bowl detached suddenly. Unfazed, Kazuki caught it mid-air and waited for a second bowl to materialize for Priam.
"To your good health," Priam said before bringing the vessel to his lips. He suppressed a sigh of satisfaction. The taste had changed since the first ti. It awakened his taste buds with a tangy flavor, akin to mango syrup with a hint of lemon. One of the best perks of this new life was being able to savor various exotic flavors.
"Excellent," Kazuki remarked. The hoplite had drunk without hesitation. Either he trusted Priam or… He must have an ironclad resistance to poison.
Setting the empty bowl against the branch, Priam watched it ld with it. Log-a-rhythm was at the forefront of recycling.
"It's also for your wife, right?" Priam probed.
The hoplite smiled, shaking his head. "I worry more about the others. My wife is the greatest swordswoman in our history. Unfortunately, she won't co alone. Politics," he spat.
He's willing to save people he doesn't even like...
Kazuki was the Champion hoplite and seed to take his role as a protector more seriously than Priam. The latter pondered while looking at his magical tree.
"Log-a-rhythm is powerful, but its space is limited. I fear eleven inside is too much."
Kazuki gave him an amused look. "I'm sure you can improve it. If you're lacking resources, know that I spent over three weeks mapping the surroundings..."
Priam's eyes lit up. Finally, so good news!
"Would you be willing to provide a list of the resources you've co across?" Priam asked.
"No, but I'll help you obtain the necessary resources to enhance Log-a-rhythm if you accept my proposal," Kazuki countered.
Priam smiled, seeing the hoplite bargaining. Apparently, Kazuki hadn't beco the Champion solely through his martial prowess.
"...If you agree to teach how to wield the spear, then we have a deal."
Learning the spear from a master was too good an opportunity to pass up. Priam wasn't too arrogant to think he didn't need a master's help, especially if that master was the Champion of a warrior civilization that had practiced this art for millennia. Louis would help him to a certain extent, but the old man wasn’t a spear master.
That was the only reason prompting Priam to consider Kazuki's offer. Despite the hoplite's alarming words, Priam didn't fear most of his rivals. He had more than one trick up his sleeve.
Kazuki smiled. "At seventeen, I was an instructor for the Titan classes. You’re sorely lacking, but I accept," he said, placing his clenched fist against his chin. The Tsalk was both a salute and a promise - the equivalent of a handshake. Priam mimicked the gesture and stood up quickly.
"I hope I’ll no longer bring sha to Prosse," Priam chuckled, indicating his spear.
"Is that its na?" Kazuki asked.
"Yes. It ans promise in my language."
"A magnificent na. Not like your grip, though. You have much to learn."
Reviews
All reviews (0)