Vlad smiled and nodded imdiately at the Marshal’s request. After all, the runes were precisely the reason he and his companions had received such favorable treatnt. Seeing Vlad agree so readily brought a satisfied smile to Marshal Maximo’s face.
"Excellent," the Marshal said. "Of course, I understand that schedules can break down in the chaos of the battlefield, but as long as you record those problems, we’ll be fine."
He delivered these words with an understanding tone, as though he wanted to make things as easy as possible for Vlad. Then, without warning, the Marshal’s gaze turned cold, and a powerful aura flooded the throne room.
"Everything regarding the Darkness Devouring Runic Formations is now classified information," he declared. "Any leak or unauthorized dissemination of this knowledge will be considered an act of treason, punishable by death!"
His last words reverberated through the hall, casting an ominous pall on the hearts of everyone present—especially Aganon and Zalasar.
The Legends who were also in attendance were all trusted subordinates of the Marshal, comrades who had fought and bled alongside him. anwhile, the other Depravitas were Vlad’s closest friends, so the only potential wild cards in the audience were indeed the pair from the Solaris Clan.
Aganon and Zalasar both bowed deeply at once, indicating their strict compliance. They might have been high-ranking nobles, but they were well aware that, in the Marshal’s eyes, Vlad’s value to the Golden Sky Fortress far outweighed the privileges of the Solaris Clan. The runic technique he held could be the key to saving countless lives, including those of so of the fortress’s top combatants.
Once certain that his ssage had taken root, Marshal Maximo withdrew his suffocating aura. His gaze then swung back to Vlad and the other Depravitas.
"You should head to the Military Logistics Center in the middle ring," the Marshal said. "There, you’ll receive equipnt that matches your new military ranks as well as your badges. You’ll also be assigned a residence. Since you are now Barons, you’ll live within the middle ring—but if you play your cards right, it won’t be long before you make it to the inner ring."
Vlad, Jormungandr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir all smiled and bowed their heads toward the Marshal in gratitude. With everything settled, Maximo gave a wave of his hand, dismissing both the Depravitas and the Solaris Clan duo. None of them hesitated or lingered; they all took their leave promptly, paying their respects as they exited the throne room.
The Marshal’s eyes never left Vlad’s back until the young man was fully gone. Only then did Maximo glance at one of the Legends in the room, a aningful light flickering in his gaze.
...
"Well, that was truly an exhilarating experience," Vlad muttered after they were all outside, his voice tinged with lingering excitent. The eting with Marshal Maximo had felt like a whirlwind—a roller coaster of tension and relief that had taken them from uncertain newcors to integral mbers of the fortress’s power structure. Hearing Vlad’s remark, the other Sky Seed Depravitas and the Solaris duo nodded in agreent. Even now, their hearts still thumped with a mix of excitent and residual nerves, though they were beginning to regain their focus.
"Brother, if you like, I could show you and your friends the way to the Military Logistics Center; after all, I also need to go and register my entry to the Golde Sky Fortress’ military." Aganon offered with a calm smile.
Vlad glanced at Aganon, then nodded in acceptance. He might have risen in status more swiftly than he’d ever imagined, but there was no reason to dismiss the goodwill and friendship already forming between them. Zalasar seed pleased as well, noting how Aganon was further solidifying bonds with the Depravitas.
Not long ago, Vlad’s group had seed like talented but unknown warriors—strong, yes, but in a land where thousands sought greatness, a single promising band was not so unique. Now, after an encounter with Marshal Maximo, Vlad had beco one of the fortress’s core mbers. If he survived the savagery of the Doomsday World, he might eventually ascend to a high rank in the Graecia Empire. The pair from the Solaris Clan clearly saw the value in maintaining a connection with soone whose runic skills could potentially shape the course of battles to co.
Without further delay, the group moved out of the inner ring. After traversing a series of imposing gates, they erged into the bustling middle ring of the Golden Sky Fortress.
As soon as they reached an open space, Zalasar swung himself onto his warhorse. "I shall take my leave for now, my Lord," he said formally. "I’ll see to the soldiers and ensure everything is in order. Please co see once you’ve finished at the logistics center. There is much to discuss regarding your plans for the battlefield."
Aganon let out a small sigh when he heard that, then nodded. Unlike Vlad and his companions, Aganon was not free to roam wherever he pleased. Though he held a noble title, military rules bound him in service to the fortress. Zalasar glanced at him as if to confirm their understanding, then rode off, presumably to coordinate with whatever troops still needed his attention.
With Zalasar’s departure, Aganon led the Depravitas deeper into the middle ring. The further they went, the more they sensed the might of the fortress in the sheer scale of the structures and the disciplined patrols passing by. Eventually, they arrived in front of a truly colossal building—the Military Logistics Center. Its walls alone were an imposing sight, seemingly fashioned from the bones of so enormous creature. Massive tusks jutted upward, looking as though they were poised to pierce the very sky.
Vlad paused for a mont, sowhat taken aback by the fortress’s ostentatious choice of décor. Yet, upon reflection, he understood why it might be necessary.
The Golden Sky Fortress housed all sorts of individuals, many of whom were wild, battle-hardened, or just plain desperate. So resolved their conflicts with fists or blades rather than conversation. In such a brutal environnt, theft could easily occur—particularly in a logistics center, where valuable resources were stored. Confronted by gates made from the bones of a gargantuan monster, any would-be thief might think twice. It served not just as a deterrent but also as a stark reminder that the fortress wielded the power to kill creatures large and fearso enough to dwarf entire armies.
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