Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 390: I Propose An Exhibition

Looking at each of the prefecture lords, Slazza replied honestly, “I find it hard to falt your proposition. For a region with little to offer, it is well worth the vast amount of magicite Lord Draco would peacefully receive, keeping him from losing kings and perennials in an avoidable, petty squabble. If it would help put things in perspective, we can show you three the sheer scale of the magicite deposit.”

“I don’t need to see it,” Lord Draco stated. “I find the offer unenticing and unreasonable. Ask for something else.”

“... You said you would welcome anyone trying to take the mine through forceful means?”

Isaac looked Trada in the eyes, noticing a change in her body language. “Yes. I welcome it.”

“Then I have a new proposition.” Treeda grinned thinly and explained, “Let’s hold an exhibition between the three prefectures. We each present four elder youths, none over mid-elder, among those preparing for the Mortal Championship. The prefecture of the winner decides what they take. If you win, Lord Draco, you can take the ore and keep the region. If I win, I may take the region while forfeiting the ore. And if Tempest wins-”

“We’ll forfeit our right to claim anything, submitting it to Toxic-shadow in name of our recompense,” Inka chimed in with a nod.

Smiling, Treeda immediately looked to Lady Narja and asked, “Does that seem fair in the eyes of the quadrant?”

.....

“I think that would be a splendid idea,” Lady Narja nodded warmly.

“I concur,” Slazza seconded the idea. “It seems we all feel that it’s fair, apart from Lord Draco. Or am I wrong to infer that, Lord Draco?”

“... You’re not wrong. I don’t agree with such a format,” declared Isaac. “Select something else-”

“You claimed that you’d welcome anyone refuting you with force. That would include the interference of the quadrant...” Treeda sighed, forcing a deep frown out of Isaac. “Lady Narja, Sir Slazza, in order to resolve the long-standing matter of Toxic-shadow’s reimbursement and the matter of the magicite mine, I ask to present my solution before God Toseko as a fair means of resolution. Do you accept?”

“We accept,” they replied together before Lord Draco could interject.

Turning to face Bradok, Treeda continued, “Then, in the case that the motion is accepted, we’ll host the event here in Iron Town. The local colosseum is as large as those in most region capitals, making it perfect for the dispute over the local mine and region. We’ll do so in five days, on the first day of the new sun. By then, the luxury resort should be finished, correct?”

“It will be, and we’ll do so to the standard of most regions,” Bradok answered. “We’ll waste no expense. Only the best for figures of your caliber and reputation.”

“Of course,” Treeda continued, “It will be the quadrant hosting and judging the event.”

Slazza and Narja nodded in unison. At the same time, Slazza offered, “Should the motion be accepted, the Quadrant will host the event with direct coordination of local leaders. I’ve met many territorial clans, but I’m quite impressed by the demeanor and drive of the Iron-body Gorilla Clan and the leaders of Iron Territory. I believe they’re capable of meeting our high expectations with our direct support, and will need no aid or assistance from their region or prefecture.”

As Slazza motioned toward Bradok, Ania, and Vloz, they all kowtowed.

Bradok spoke for the three of them, “Though we’re but a young territory, I speak as a peak-perennial that has traversed many regions and prefectures when I say that we’ll meet your high expectations. With the quadrant’s direct support, I guarantee your utmost satisfaction during the event.”

“In that case, do you have any last words to offer, Lord Draco?” Slazza passed the floor to the irritated prefecture lord, getting Treeda to finally sit down.

“... It seems that regardless of my retorts, you’ll be making a motion either way. Then, I’ll be forced to acquiesce to the whims of the quadrant. So, no, I have nothing else to say. But I’ll agree to participate should the quadrant demand it,” stated Isaac, glaring at Treeda.

“Then you’re all dismissed!” Slazza clapped, ending the meeting with a grin. “Lady Narja, would you please escort Lord Treeda to Virulent City.”

“Of course. Lady Treeda, please, follow me.”

Treeda and Narja left without another word, only waving to their colleagues.

With the meeting over and the need for most formalities gone, Zelsh boomed with laughter, “Why the long face, Lord Draco? Just put out Netra and you’ll have the best odds to win.”

“She-”

“What do you mean by that, Zelsh?” Slazza asked, cutting off Isaac.

Zelsh shrugged and shook his head, acting disappointed. “Well, that fox girl has already defeated all of my candidates. The odds are heavily in Lord Draco’s favor.”

“Is that true?” Slazza turned to Vloz, giving him a protecting nod. “Speak freely. Your honest answer will bear no consequences, in the name of the quadrant.”

Vloz hid his smile to keep from pestering Lord Draco any further. “It’s true, Master Slazza. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Bradok, Ania, or anyone living in Bore Palace. All you would need to do is mention Netra’s name to Zelsh’s trainees and they’ll describe their losses in detail.”

“Isaac, I thought you said the fox girl wouldn’t have a chance of making it through the prefecture?”

Facing Slazza with a smile, Isaac replied, “That’s my genuine opinion of her, Slazza. There’s no need to investigate further.”

“So, if I were to take a quick trip to Bore City via the teleportation circle, I wouldn’t find any praise of the young fox girl?” Slazza questioned, getting up to his feet. “What’s her cultivation?”

“She recently became an elder, but her perfect dark affinity keeps her cultivation on track for the tournament,” Vloz answered.

Looking to Zelsh, Slazza asked, “And how strong were the trainees she defeated?”

“There were three that she defeated back to back. My son, an early-elder like her, a low-elder swordsman with wind and illusions, and a mid-elder tundra tiger that came in second during the exhibition between Tempest and Toxic-shadow.”

“Really? Then... Brak. What is your honest opinion of the aforementioned Tundra Tiger?”