As soon as Nioh stepped out of the room, he was greeted by a trio standing in attention. At the forefront was X still rigid and composed, with two others flanking him.
"Young Master," they said in perfect synchronization.
'They're really taking this seriously,' Ekoh said, as Nioh stood silently observing their postures and the unwavering precision of their submission to him a complete newcor. His newfound father had clearly cultivated a loyal and disciplined following.
"There's no need for such formalities in the future," he said, dismissing the display with a casual wave.
X in the center stepped forward. "My na is Xavier. I am—no, I was a lieutenant. I've been reassigned as your chief of security. You can call X." His voice brimd with pride and his stance was equally resolute.
He gestured to the young woman at his side. "This is Marsai. She will oversee your education on noble customs and rites."
Marsai raised her head. Her short blonde hair frad a round face, and her thin, elegant fra was accentuated by the sleek military uniform she wore. "At your service, Young Master," she said with a slight bow.
"And this," X continued, "is Cryo, your assigned squire."
Cryo raised his head, his gaze eting Nioh's with unmasked scrutiny. He was taller and older perhaps nineteen or twenty years old. He had the proud bearing of soone born under a fortunate star. The energy around him was tangible his biocore radiated pureness. Yet his expression was hard, his frown was deepening as he took in Nioh's disheveled appearance in prison clothing.
"He has an S-tiers biocore" Ekoh identified.
"I take it this one isn't satisfied with his position or is it that he finds lacking?" Nioh interjected, with a dry tone. Cryo said nothing, while his silence only deepened the tension.
"I apologize, Young Master," X said quickly. "Cryo hasn't been fully briefed on his role yet."
"Whatever," Nioh said, brushing it off. "You can't force people into roles they don't want. I'm not used to having a squire anyway. There is no need to bother."
X side-eyed Cryo sharply, making his disapproval evident. Marsai stepped in with tact. "Young Master, you can finalize the details of your entourage later. For now, there are more pressing matters to attend to."
Under Marsai's lead, the group made their way through the prison. The release formalities were handled with remarkable efficiency. It was clear she excelled at managing affairs.
Before long, they were seated in a hover car, speeding toward the inner city of Biohive 81.
For the first ti, Nioh passed the barrier separating the inner and outer city. His eyes widened as he took in the sights, darting in every direction to absorb the stark contrast.
The air was purer here, tinged with biocore energy that imdiately relaxed his body and nurtured his biocore. The architecture was futuristic yet seamlessly integrated with greenery, with every detail ticulously planned and aligned with purpose. Hover cars zipped by, and high-tech flying ship stations lood overhead, showcasing models he'd only seen in glossy magazine spreads. The people were well-dressed, happy, and free from the constant threat of rogue biocores.
"Bumpkin," Cryo muttered under his breath.
The atmosphere in the car shifted instantly, toward a growing cold. Glares and subtle signs of disapproval flashed between the others, but Nioh remained unfazed, chasing to completely ignore the remark as he continued marveling at the inner city's beauty.
Before long, the hover car ca to a stop outside a secluded residence.
"Where are we?" Nioh asked as he stepped out while scanning the area.
"This is a secure location where you'll stay until your official introduction," X explained, his tone clipped but professional.
"Where is my father?" Nioh asked as they stepped into the expansive residence.
"The monarch's visit was ant to remain a secret. He returned to the Archipelago imdiately after your eting," X replied.
"I see." Nioh stopped walking and turned to X. "Sir X, I'd like to speak to you in private."
X nodded, and the two continued into what would be Nioh's room for the coming weeks. Once the door shut behind them, Nioh wasted no ti.
"How many people are in on the con?"
"It's not a con," X retorted. "You will be officially added to the Glev family register. Your na will be Nioh Glev. The monarch is making a great sacrifice for this."
"I understand," Nioh said in a asured tone. It seems like the monarch is not sharing all the information with this guard of his. He is letting bear the burden. "Let rephrase. How many people know the truth about my identity?"
"Three," X replied. "You, , and the monarch. The fewer who know, the safer the secret. The monarch decided to accept you after I presented your file.
I was certain you wouldn't refuse, especially after the incident in your ho. We've spread the narrative that you're the monarch's illegitimate child. That's the title you'll bear publicly until you are recorded in the family registry."
Nioh's gaze darkened. "About the incident in my ho—what can you tell ?"
X's expression hardened. "The work appears consistent with Revenant tactics. However, no clear motive has been identified. The monarch has granted you unrestricted access to our information network and resources should you wish to investigate. We won't pry into your secrets."
"How... how were the bodies handled?" Nioh demanded.
"The monarch ordered them to be buried on this property. An altar was constructed following Glev family rites," X said solemnly.
Nioh's knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists. "What would you have done if I refused this arrangent?"
"I would've killed you." X's voice was steady, devoid of hesitation. "It may sound abrupt, but the lives of too many people hang in the balance."
"If you couldn't protect the previous young master, what makes you think you can protect ?" Nioh asked,
"The previous young master didn't inherit the monarch's fighting spirit. He was an idealist—a good man who believed in applying biocore technology for utility rather than combat. In a family like the Glevs, it was a miracle he survived as long as he did."
"So, even within the Glev family, there were those who wanted him dead?"
"Beyond the monarch's direct lineage, certain extended family mbers, bolstered by external support, believed they had a claim to the heirship. So far, we haven't identified which faction is responsible."
Nioh shifted his stance, narrowing his eyes. "What's the deal with Cryo?"
"Cryo is my younger brother," X admitted, his tone softening. "I thought he could support you, but he's grown arrogant recently. Can you handle him?"
Nioh exhaled sharply, irritation flickering across his face. "This is starting to feel like a bad deal. Fine. You can leave. Just make sure I get detailed information on what I'll be facing."
"Yes, Young Master. Rest well," X said before excusing himself.
Left alone, Nioh lay back on the bed, staring at the intricately carved marble ceiling. For the first ti in weeks, he allowed himself a mont of reflection.
'This is a bigger fish than you had originally hoped for ' he murmured inwardly to Ekoh.
'I know. There's still a ten-year gap to close, but soon we will make our way back up.' Nioh replied with a sly snicker.
'And we will massacre every single one of them.' Nioh thought as he rose and headed to the bathroom for a long shower.
Reviews
All reviews (0)