Defiance of the Fall

Yes , sir . What about the search parties in the mines? - The aid asked .

Leave them . Hopefully they will keep that human busy while we deal with this . -

He had been shocked to learn that the group of natives he discounted earlier actually was only one human . At least he hoped there was only one of them , as his power seemed high enough to give even him a headache . Of course , the human wouldn’t be a threat to him if all the limitations on him were removed though .

Worse yet the human killed Qugo and stole the poison that was supposed to be one of his aces in case everything went south . Ogras had actually decided to hide the news of the third Herald’s demise , afraid that his clan members would chain him up - for his own protection - , while gleefully stealing all the loot Ogras had rightfully pilfered .

As if summoned by his thoughts Rydel walked in through the door , as always unheeding or dismissive of proper protocol . He wore a resplendent silver battle armor that matched his long white hair well . Strapped to his back were two swords with intricately carved hilts .

Cousin , I assume you have seen the proclamation by The Ruthless Heavens? - he said with a smile .

I’m not blind Rydel , of course I’ve seen it . The army is setting out immediately . And here on the baby planet I’m General , not cousin . - Ogras spat out in annoyance .

It is ironic , wouldn’t you say cousin? It was you who championed sending the beast hordes through the gate first . But it seems they have only turned into lucrative target practice for the humans instead of paving our way , and now one of the hordes is even revolting . I wonder how the elders will react when they hear of this . - Rydel smilingly continued , seemingly unperturbed by the troubling developments .

That’s not for you to worry about Rydel , know your place . I’m leading the armies myself to fix the monkey problem , and that human hiding in the tunnels will soon be caught . - Ogras couldn’t stand being in the same room as this thorn in his side any longer and prepared to set out .

Ogras didn’t actually want to lead the army , but faced with the emergence of a D-ranked treasure such as a Fruit of Ascension , he couldn’t sit still . He needed to secure it by himself , and if that failed destroy it so that Cindermane or some crony of Rydel didn’t get it .

If someone from the main branch managed to get the Fruit of Ascension he might as well lay down and kill himself , as the family assassins would find him as soon as the incursion stabilized anyway . His plan was to turn the wealth of the crystal mine into acquiring a treasure like the Fruit of Ascension , and use that as a springboard to become the future hope of the clan . But if suddenly Rydel had the fruit as well , then he knew who the clan would favor .

I’m sorry cousin , but I need to correct you on a few accounts . - Rydel said while holding up a hand to stop Ogras’ exit , his smile slightly widening . - The human has escaped the ambush , leaving at least thirty corpses behind by now . He also seems to have figured out the tracking stones , and now we can’t locate him . Furthermore , the one who will lead the army to fix your mistakes is me , not you . -

Are you revolting against the clan precepts Rydel? You know the elders appointed me at least until the incursion stabilized . Are you sure you want to face the wrath of my grandfather? - Ogras spat out , a dangerous glint entering his eyes .

Your grandfather is well-aware . As you were untested when appointed general , the elders came to an accord with your ancestor . - Rydel retorted as he retrieved a parchment from his bag . - In certain events that are deemed to be critical to clan Arh’Rezak’s future developments , the military command is temporarily transferred to me . Just to make sure nothing goes wrong due to inexperience . -

The bright smile looked like a death sentence to Ogras , as he snatched the parchment with a snarl . After reading through it he saw it was true . He immediately sensed his grandfather’s magic sigil on the decree , telling him that this was real . The parchment detailed certain events that would result in a transfer of leadership to Rydel , and the emergence of a D-class treasure or higher was one of them . It looked like his grandfather had been forced to make some concessions in order to snatch the leadership position for him .