“Fuhahahaha!”
A burst of boisterous laughter could be heard from inside the carriage.
“You all thought I didn’t know all your plans, but look at you now hahaha.”
Gerard said as he stepped outside of the carriage, he knew his people only meant well for him, he had already heard of their plans. But Tamers were Tamers, it had become a norm for Tamers to tame pets with the level of 5. Even established cities would take Tamers into consideration, thus, places such as Monkey Forests and other places where Tamers would be safe to tame strong beasts were preserved.
“Little Brother you really surprised me this time.”
Gerard said with a wide grin. This time was really outside of his expectation, Richie was as he thought uncommon even among the Martial Monkeys that he had seen, so he had already had his expectations. But just after two weeks of staying here, this little brother of his had already leveled up and tamed another pet, this time it was a brown bear. Not very uncommon but this one was, not only was it one-armed, it also stood on its two legs the whole time. Not to mention the speed it displayed was unique, of course, High-Grade Bears aside.
Still, the bear wasn’t the surprise Gerard had mentioned, it was the fact that Aeron had leveled up so quickly despite his Grade-4 affinity. This speed could be said to be faster than even Grade-1 affinity Professional, of course, he also knew that the reason why Aeron went to this dangerous place was to remedy his affinity problem. Even so, to level up this fast, meant that Aeron had fought numerous times inside the forest, Gerard could only imagine how hard Aeron had worked to reach such speed. His respect towards this little brother of his shot up even further, one could only imagine his reaction if he found out that Aeron was already about to reach level 3.
“You fib Brother Gerard, it was your subordinate that surprised me instead.”
Aeron said with a wry smile, he knew this was probably not Gerard’s plan, but something his subordinates concocted. If it was really his intention then he would’ve tested him earlier rather than now. But he was really surprised, not because of what happened earlier but by the number of subordinates Gerard had brought with him. Of course, this was not a show of power, but it still showed how dangerous the journey was towards here.
Ursa stood beside Aeron vigilantly, it knew that the people it was facing right now were far stronger than it was.
“Hoh, I thought you would tame Spirit first after you level up.”
Gerard said as he sized Ursa up.
‘This bear is really huge, it’s probably almost at mid-grade, hehe it seems like I underestimated this brother of mine.’ Gerard mused.
“Well that was the plan at first, but I discovered bears inside the forest so I decided to get one first, Spirit is a good mount and follows my order quite well, but it’s still unsuitable for forest terrains”
Aeron said as he gently shook his head.
“Anyways Brother Gerard, let’s go to my house first.”
Aeron added as he saw Gerard’s subordinate’s alertness, it seems they’ve been attacked on their way here.
“Alright, they could really use some rest too.”
Gerard replied, they were attacked 3 times on their way here, the size of his entourage was to blame but at least there weren’t any High-Grade Beasts in the packs. Of course, his people could handle it, but High-Grade Beasts were much more troublesome than normal ones.
“Sam, take care of Jason.”
Gerard looked at the Warrior who tried to test Aeron, he was a bit angry but he also knew it was because they cared for him, that’s why they did it even if they knew it would anger him. He was really conflicted about this; he was a decisive person but he also had a soft spot when it comes to his subordinates. This was even more so for Aeron, at first, he had helped Aeron so he could recruit him later on, especially because of Aeron’s last name, but after he found out Aeron’s situation, he started treating Aeron like a little brother instead. Even now he didn’t want to involve Aeron with his problems, and just brought his people for protection and also meet with this little brother of his.
“Yes, young master.”
Sam replied, Sam was one of the four guards Gerard brought for the first time. He was also the only Mage at that time, but unlike in novels that Aeron had read, Mages in this world didn’t wear robes but armor instead. Of course, Aeron hadn’t seen the Higher leveled ones so he might be wrong. Aeron was half right, half wrong, as those under Transcendence would usually wear armor instead of robes.
Sam took the warrior to another carriage, this time Gerard brought a convoy of four carriages, but the other three were pulled by Tri-Horned Bulls, these were peak Low-Grade Beasts known for their strength and stamina.
“Sorry about that Little Brother, they just wanted to test you for a bit, of course, I believed you would triumph hahaha”
Gerard said as they passed by the stone gate, Ursa had already relaxed as it knew none of these strong people wanted to harm Aeron.
“It’s fine Brother Gerard, unless they send a Tamer higher level than me or someone past level 5 then I should be able to handle them somehow”
Aeron said this with a smug look, this wasn’t just him boasting but this was a benefit Tamers experience before level 6, only Tamers could fight Tamers at this level. Beasts in general were stronger than humans, after all, beasts were built for fighting. So, it wasn’t unusual for Tamers to dominate those below level 6. It wasn’t a secret to Gerard and his subordinates how Aeron was only a level 1 and even had the worst affinity, this was also the reason why they attempted to test him. Jason was nearing level 6 and was a talented person to begin with, even with a Martial Monkey it would be hard for a Level 1 Tamer to defeat Jason as Tamers themselves were the weakness of the Profession.
“hahaha true true.”
Gerard said while laughing, this surprised his subordinates, this was not to say that Gerard didn’t laugh much. But the way he laughed was what surprised them all, most of the time he would laugh was not as boisterous and uninhibited as now.
“So, Brother Gerard, what’s the situation in the City?”
Aeron asked as they sat down, he had Richie bring some food for the guests.
“Well, there isn’t much really, but I did hear some news regarding the wolf king”
Gerard said with a bit more seriousness.
“What’s the news?”
Aeron said as he listened intently.
“Well, unlike in the past where the wolf king was born from a normal wolf, this time the wolf king was born from a powerful Sky Stage Alpha wolf.”
Gerard replied.
“Since there were people who got this news, doesn’t that mean they should be capable of killing the young wolf king?”
Aeron asked, there were only a few Professions that could sneak inside the Endless Forest, and one of those were the Assassins. If they wanted to find information about the wolf king then sending Assassins was the most probable choice. And since Assassins were sent then they should be high-level ones, probably Sky Stage Assassins.
“It’s not as simple as you think little brother, the only reason they found the wolf king was because it was born from a powerful wolf instead of the usual normal wolf, not to mention how dire the consequences would be if the young wolf king were to survive an assassination, even the Governor had prohibited the people who want to venture inside the Endless Forest, especially the Tamers from proceeding.”
Gerard said, unlike the beasts in the Boundless Mountains, those in the Endless Forest would generally not invade unless they were invaded first. This was the reason the City of Una was still standing even though it only had the Governor as a Transcendent, otherwise if the Transcendent beasts inside the Endless Forest were to truly invade, then the City of Una would easily fall. This was also the reason why the city was slow in development, as not a lot of people hold an optimistic view of its survival.
“Still the other alphas would still try to kill it right?”
Aeron asked, he would sometimes think about the Wolf King, but it was more wishful thinking really. He was already lucky to have one beast king, if his soul hadn’t transmigrated as he did, then him taming a Mid-Grade Beast at level one would never have happened. As far as he knew about Tamers it was an impossible feat.
“Of course they will, but this one is different as it has powerful parents, even if the others attack, this time someone will defend it, it would have more room to grow and survive.”
Gerard said with concern, although he was forced to go here, he had already invested everything he had in the City as a sort of gamble. If the wolf king survives then a lot of people would withdraw their interest in the City, although the City would still survive it would take more time for it to develop like other Cities.
“Then what does the governor plan to do?”
Aeron asked, if he was really forced to abandon this place then he would really have a harder time getting stronger and maintain his pets.
“Well, I haven’t heard from the governor yet.”
Gerard sighed before continuing.
“But, depending on the situation the city might become another free city.”
“Free City?”
Aeron asked, he had never heard of a free city before this.
“Free Cities are simply put, cities with no Governor. For reasons I can’t tell you, Governors needs territories, if Una loses more prospects then the Governor would abandon it, of course, the local powers would try to divide the city and try to survive but most Free Cities end up in ruins, the most famous Free City is located in the northern region, the City of Nabiline, but the local powers there are already supported by Transcendents”
Gerard explained, as for the information he can’t tell Aeron yet, it was a piece of information even he shouldn’t know as it would cause more chaos to the more ambitious people.
“Then, will you become one of those local powers Brother Gerard?”
Aeron asked, if the Governor really abandons the city then he would have to survive without any way to communicate with the outside world or even be forced to abandon this place. But if it truly is as Gerard said and the City survives albeit without a Governor, then he would need someone he can trust within the city to help him, with things like mana stones and information.
“Well, I’ve already put too much into this place, If I were to abandon it then I would lose everything and have no capital to fight for my place, and I think little brother here already guessed that I’m not just a normal Task Master.”
Gerard said as he looked at Aeron waiting for his answer, even if he didn’t want to involve this little brother of his, but if things were to happen as he predicted then he would need to take Aeron as one of his people in order for him to help Aeron. Otherwise, it would cause a hidden crack with his other people however much they trust him if he proceeded to help Aeron without any strings attached.
“hehe Brother Gerard is probably someone from within the Central Region, right? I heard things were more competitive there, and only those people from the Central Region would recruit such talented followers.”
Aeron said as he glanced at the people behind Gerard, it was as he said, unlike the outer region, the powers from the Central Region were different.
“As I expected, you’re really sharp little brother hahaha, everyone, go out for a bit.”
Gerard said as he laughed again as he ordered his people to vacate the room, Gerard knew it wasn’t because he had a lot of followers that Aeron would be able to guess his background, but because of their quality as well. It was normal for people to recruit others to build their own powers but most of those people wouldn’t be picky, only those from the Central Region would be strict with their requirements. The Central Region was the culmination of humanity’s power, the talent concentrated there were undoubted, and with the constant threat from the other races and beasts, humans have drawn more from their potential.
“I think you already know but I already did a background check on you, I know you’re not the type to just be a follower but I still want to help you, little brother.”
Gerard said as he smiled, Aeron could feel the sincerity from Gerard’s voice. Aeron knew what Gerard said was all from his heart. Truth be told, Aeron didn’t mind following others, there was no shame in doing so, but his situation doesn’t permit it. If he were to follow others then he would have to disclose some, if not, all his secret. But if his secrets were divulged and his power wasn’t enough, then it wouldn’t just bring him danger, but also the people around him.
“Little Brother, are you willing to accept me as your sworn brother?”
‘So, this is was the reason huh’ Aeron thought as he observed Gerard who was waiting for his answer. He also knew the significance of Gerard’s offer. This would mean that he would stand as Gerard’s equal instead of a subordinate.
‘Charisma’ Aeron mused, this was the reason why Gerard was able to recruit so many talented people, none of his followers looked old and almost all of them were at least level 6, there was only a small number of low level 5’s but they were even younger-looking. This could only mean that they were at least Grade-2 affinity, and a lot of them were Grade-1 affinity, just like Alexis.
“If you really don’t mind this shameless person to be your sworn brother, Brother Gerard, then I have no reason to reject, but there is something I have to say!”
Aeron answered, there was no disadvantage in being Gerard’s sworn brother, he would find support and have a powerful ally, one that he could trust. Unlike in the past, oaths didn’t hold much power other than the individual’s credibility or through legal documents. But Gaia was different, oathbreakers would be branded by a strange power, it wouldn’t just slow your cultivation, it would also make you hated and hunted by the inhabitants of Gaia. The brand would stay until you die, not even God Stage Professionals could remove the brand, thus, oaths were not trivial things.
“I know your people trust you, but none of them trust me, if they knew I became your sworn brother while being this weak, then they would have doubts about your judgement. I don’t’ want something like that to happen because of me, also, if things were to happen as you said Brother Gerard then you can stop going here personally, this place is way too far, the journey would only cause unnecessary danger, and by then I think you would be too busy to do so”
Aeron said seriously, he truly didn’t want to cause misunderstandings, Gerard’s followers probably made oaths to him, but they were still human after all, even if they follow Gerard’s orders, doubts would still affect their performance.
“Soooo, you want to keep it a secret first?”
Gerard asked, while scratching his head, Gerard had already anticipated this reaction from Aeron.
“No!” Aeron replied.
