TBATE - Not Bound By Fate

Part 32

Regis

Running through the beast glades I arrived at one of the dungeons with an Alacryan camp inside. Princess decided we were close enough to the start of the war that we could begin sabotaging these camps.

But sabotaging wasn't the only goal, no that would be too simple. What he actually wants is to send Agrona's goons in a wild goose chase. If he wants to corrupt powerful mana beasts, why not dangle one in his face that is unreachable. And that is my role, entering camps, causing chaos and killing some people. Leaving just enough alive to word about the majestic flaming wolf spread. Hopefully these little attacks will attract at least a retainer so I can have some fun.

Entering the dungeon, the third one this month, I quickly move to hide from the adventures coming out. I decided to pay attention to what they were talking about to see if they had any useful information that could reduce the search time for the camp. Unfortunately it was just a waste of time, so searching for a secret entrance it is.

Lucky for me this dungeon was on the smaller side. This one was full of cat-like mana beasts, so I call it The Kitty Committee. I would use the actual name of the place but I couldn't be bothered to commit it to memory.

Reaching the bottom was pretty easy, there was nothing higher than A rank in my way. Feeling for the Aether I begin to search for fluctuations caused by mana. It takes a while but I eventually find the part of the room hiding the tunnel for the camp.

The distance to the camp from the boss room was way shorter than the last two, raising a few alarms in my head. It was also not guarded like the last two making me think this camp had been abandoned but there was a stronger presence than your average soldier, probably a Vritra blooded human.

Walking further in I arrived where the camp was supposed to be, the half built tents and empty crates confirming it was abandoned. The room was quite large and not all of it was naturally formed, having traces of man made expansion. I roamed around for a bit to see if there was anything useful or something that could tell me why the place was empty, but there was nothing so I started heading towards the presence I felt earlier.

Getting closer to the opposite end of the cavern from where I came in, the presence revealed itself. It was a man who looked to be around his forties on the shorter side with black graying hair, with his left eye being red and the right one was covered by an eye patch. He was wearing a black suit and had a spear on his back. After we both took our time analyzing each other he spoke to me.

"Can't believe one beast was enough to take out two camps by itself. At least you look intimidating." The man said looking disappointed with the whole situation.

I didn't reply as I wasn't in the mood to talk with fodder today, so I sat down to listen to him ramble on a bit more. It's the least I can do for someone who will be dead soon.

He raised a brow to my actions. "Not in the mood to fight? I supposed a little chat wouldn't be all that bad, as one-sided as it will be." The man said as he sat on a nearby rock. "To think a beast would not attack on sight, I was right to think there was someone behind those attacks, but everyone else dismissed the idea saying the people of this continent were to stupid to do something like this. Perhaps we are the fools for blindly following the will of the High Sovering."

Would you look at that, a person who can think for themselves, those are rare in the advanced forces.

"Maybe I should've just stayed an ascender instead of joining the army." He contemplated his decision.

Taking in this little bit of information he just so casually let out I got to thinking. Should I try bringing him to our side? I'm sure Seris would appreciate more people joining her cause and if this one turns out to be a capable fighter she might even go easier on me when we meet. If Caera was able to beat me back into a wisp I don't even want to know what her mentor will do to me.

"I see you're not an idiot like most of the Alacryans I met." I finally spoke after reaching the conclusion that persuading this guy will be my only chance to appease Seris's anger. There certainly is a risk to it, but I'm not afraid to gamble.

"So the beast speaks, certainly not something one would expect to see." The man replied, trying to mask his surprise.

"Life's just full of surprises, isn't it?" I said in a humorous tone.

"That it is. Now that we can converse, why don't you tell the reason behind these little attacks of yours."

"Don't you think an introduction is in order before we start discussing secrets? Maybe a dinner date too?"

He laughed a little. "You're not wrong, but I'll pass on that dinner. I'm afraid there are no establishments that would let you sit on the table with me. And I suppose calling a beast would be an offense. I am Jacob, last of blood Brann."

"Well then Jacob Brann, consider yourself honored for having met me, Regis. As for the reasons behind my attacks, well, you seem like a smart man so I'm sure you can figure it out if you haven't already."

"My best guess is that either we underestimate the leadership of this continent or someone else is moving in the shadows to alleviate the problem. Considering what I've seen so far, I'm more inclined to believe the second option." Jacob said, hoping to get more information out of me.

"I won't confirm or deny what you are saying, but if things go my way you'll learn the truth at some point." I said, hoping this would tempt him enough to consider treason when I bring it up later.

He looked at me curiously. "Your way, huh? And what would that look like?"

"Tell you later, depending on how this conversation goes." I smiled at him. "Why don't you tell me a little about yourself. How did you end up here?"

"I wanted to get away from Sovereign Oludari. You see, blood Brann used to be a high blood but because of a... let's call it disagreement with Sovereign Kiros we lost our status. Lucky for me, when my Vritra blood manifested, the decay mana arts I could use were a little different than the rest. Oludari somehow got word of that and wanted to study me, so I moved to his dominion. A few years go by, I learn a few things I shouldn't and now I'm here."

Certainly an interesting answer. While he didn't reveal too much, he did say just what I needed, a reason to against the Vritra.

"Technically a fugitive then, that's interesting. Would you say you have any resentment towards the Vritra?" I tried probing.

"As a whole, no, not really. Against Kiros and Oludari, most certainly." Brann said their names with disdain.

Time to make a bet then. Arthur will chew me out for this, but he will see the advantage.

"Well then, I have an offer to make in this case. But if you refuse I will kill you." I told him and Jacob thought for a minute.

"Alright, I'll listen."

"Good, here's the deal..."