Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 510: Unexpected Meeting in Forell

The party took their time to move through the streets, causally browsing the stands and their wares. After half an hour, they made their way back to the inn and could finally stop hiding the whirlpool of emotions going on inside them.

But they only had a couple of minutes to breathe before Zelsh appeared in the lounge area. “So, I heard they also joined. Are we heading out?”

“Yup. The sooner the better. I want to spend the next sun and a half training with my new mace so I’m used to it by the qualifier,” stated Oli, getting back up.

The others joined in as well, but Yeter was sadly left behind due to his lack of connections to Forell Territory.

Zelsh led Oli, Fulkar, Trenk, Trantor, and Freele to Permafrost Palace and through the teleportation ring. But he motioned for everyone to step off of the platform, saying he would be back momentarily to bring them to Forell.

They awkwardly waited in the hallway for a total of five minutes before Zelsh returned with a leopard at his side. Those from Forell quickly recognized the leopard as the Iron Territory representative that had worked with Rhyner before he moved on from Trighton Territory.

“I’m Vloz, dean of Iron Academy. We can have proper introductions after reaching our next destination.” After his brief introduction, the huge cat bowed and smiled at Oli. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Young Master Oliver.”

.....

That’s quick line was enough to squash any minute doubt that Trenk, Trantor, or Freele might’ve had regarding Oli’s allegiance to Iron Territory. And adding that to the display of absolute wealth they witness earlier that day, each of them felt a devout pride swell inside of them, reaffirming that they made the right choice to submit to Iron Territory.

“It’s always nice to see you too, Vloz,” Oli replied as he stepped back onto the platform.

Once everyone was ready, they traveled to Forell without wasting another moment. And the arrival of Forell’s young geniuses was an overwhelming surprise to any students near the teleportation circle of Forell Institute.

But Trantor quickly waved everyone away, stating they were only there for a quick visit to the Forell Residence while adorning some cloaks to draw less attention.

So the group moved onward and strolled through the city. As the sun started to set, they approached the mansion of the territory leader, Forell Manor. Only then did the Forell brothers make use of their identities to move past the guards and enter the residence, making sure to send someone to alert their father of the immediate meeting they were about to have.

After entering the central mansion and winding through some hallways, Trantor and Trenk led the group to a dining and conference hall. Upon entry, the group was immediately greeted by a small standing ovation. Three people were, two which were expected and one they hadn’t anticipated.

“Greetings, King Zelsh, from Leader Tranton.” Maintaining his bow, Tranton turned his body slightly to address the leopard in the room, “And thank you, Dean Vloz, for also visiting our humble territory.”

“Oh?” Chuckling, Vloz asked, “How did you know that I was our academy’s dean? Have you looked into our territory a lot?”

“Dean Vloz is famous, after all. It’s only natural that we would remember you. From both your work with Rhyner in the past as well as how you caught and killed a king during the interprefectural exhibition two years ago, we leaders of Forell Territory hold you in tremendously high regard,” explained Tranton, finally lifting his head. “This is my wife, Barba. And we happened to have a noble visitor over when you arrived and he was hoping to at least meet you, Dean Vloz.”

When Vloz nodded and looked at the third person, the man lifted his head and introduced himself, “I’m Garold Whizek, Whizek Family head and father to Freele. It’s an honor to meet both you, Dean Vloz, and King Zelsh. I don’t wish to intrude, so allow me to excuse myself after having this chance to meet you-”

“Wait!”

Everyone blinked and turned their attention to Freele, who stepped up to speak with her father. But she quickly hesitated and bowed to Oli instead. “Please, may my father and the Whizek Family be allowed a similar opportunity as Forell Family, one suited to their strength and capabilities?”

“F-Freele-”

“I don’t mind,” Oli answered, getting no sign of rejection from Vloz or Zelsh. “But only if you believe including them will be worth it for us.”

“It will be! At least give them a chance,” plead Freele, fully prostrating herself to Oli and not either of the reputable divine beasts in the room.

Thrown off guard, Garold tried to rush to his daughter’s side. “Sweetie, what’s-”

“Father,” Freele spoke up while maintaining her lowered posture, “no matter what they ask of you, you have to say yes and agree wholeheartedly.”

“B-but Freele-”

“No matter what!” she insisted. “I can’t say anything more for certain reasons, but now as a member of the Forell Family I’ve learned and experienced a few things that I’m certain can only benefit the Whizek Family. But you won’t be able to partake of those benefits unless you’re willing to agree no matter the cost.”

Undecided and confused, Garold looked to Oli and bowed his head. “Young Master, may I know your name and affiliation?”

Oli didn’t need to answer. Vloz spoke up instead, “He’s unable to answer that question. Your current status isn’t high enough to warrant a response.”

Hearing that, Garold, Tranton, and Barba all felt their hearts skip a beat. It was something far beyond their expectations, considering they didn’t even know the youth’s name.

“Vloz is right,” added Zelsh, throwing them into a second mental rockslide. “We’ve already come to an early agreement with both of Forell’s young masters, but we’ve yet to even have contact with the Whizek Family. Until a certain degree of commitment is made, the Whizek Family isn’t allowed to participate in any of our discussions or even ask any questions regarding our intentions.”