Discordant Note: Crescendo | TBATE

Chapter 188: Shifting Scales and Twin Skulls

Seris Vritra

"The forces in the Beast Glades are barely keeping together," Cylrit's voice echoed out from the communication artifact. "With the absence of Retainer Uto, they are uncertain and directionless. I have done my best to pull them into a semblance of order, my Scythe, but it is a grueling process. The Vechorians disdain being under the command of a Sehz-Clarian Retainer, especially as the majority are from war-centered Bloods. And considering my origins, many think me traitor to their dominion."

I hummed in consideration. The Redfeud war was still fresh on the minds of many within Vechor who felt I had snubbed them of their deserved victory, and it appeared they were making trouble for my Retainer.

And it makes sense why they are so bitter being led by the Victorious Black Tower, I thought with a sigh. But I have little choice.

"Continue as you are, Cylrit. It may be some time before the forces come back under order," I continued. After all, that was part of my intentions of breaking Uto. Now the majority of the Alacryan forces in Dicathen were directly or indirectly under my control. "But once they are, we will continue as the High Sovereign decreed."

Cylrit continued his report for a bit longer as I listened. He'd taken control of the majority of the forces in the Beast Glades as they gradually collected mana beasts and corrupted them with beastwards. Eventually, the horde would be thrown at the Wall as a distraction from the eventual front along Elenoir.

"Report to me anything you deem necessary," I said, preparing to end the communication. "I will be moving my forces to one of the backup bases in Darv. If you need to–"

My voice cut off as an overwhelming presence streamed through the cavern. My breath hitched and my eyes widened as I felt the sudden power, radiating from not far away. Sweat beaded along my skin, my fingers clenching.

An asura! I realized nearly immediately. Without thinking, I rose to my feet, feeling a tremor as it raced across my body. There is an asura here, in this cavern! Likely from Epheotus!

For all my power, I knew I was but an ant to a warrior asura. Yet my forces were theoretically protected from such an attack by Kezess' treaty with Agrona, which had been even further enforced by the failed assault on Taegrin Caelum a few days ago. Was Lord Indrath so quick to break his oaths once more? Was he that eager to invite continental destruction?

I stood frozen for the barest instant, every single thought racing through my mind in a jumble. I hadn't felt this kind of power since Agrona slew Varadoth. The pressure redoubled, palpable even from where I stood.

But then a single, burning thought pushed its way to the forefront of all the others. Like a nagging itch, it wrenched itself from the turbulence within my head, flashing like a warning sign in my mind.

That's where Toren is, I realized with something between fear and resolve. He's near that pressure.

I shot out of my rooms as the mana carried me aloft, pushing and pulling me in equal measure as I blurred toward the source of the presence. As I flew, I tried to concoct a plan. Something I could say to halt the asura's hand. There were secrets I knew, of course. Of Agrona's operations within Alacrya. If worst came to worst, could I afford to relinquish those if it meant sparing Toren?

I felt it difficult to focus as I appeared in the dwarven cavern, my mana thrumming around me and my core revving with power. I forced my fingers not to shake; demanded my body remain cool and tranquil. I gave the tall cavern a cursory glance, noting how the dwarves cowered in a dual-attribute fear: of me and my presence, and of the aura that radiated near the end of the cavern.