"So this is Fort Gael after its conquest by the Mohgwyn Dynasty..."
After a period of long-distance travel, Zesko arrived near Fort Gael and squinted, taking in the surroundings.
The banners of the Kouler Dynasty had all been torn down, replaced by the flags and crests of the Mohgwyn Dynasty. The new regime's troops were partially deployed, though most of the personnel were still the original Kouler soldiers, albeit after a round of rudimentary drilling.
Zesko estimated that the Mohgwyn Dynasty would likely subject these men to further training to meet their specific standards.
Aside from the military presence, the foot traffic around Fort Gael was significantly higher than before. He surmised that the news spread by the Mohgwyn Dynasty had put the local merchants and residents at ease. The primary reason for this was the reduction of the exorbitant taxes previously imposed by the Kouler Dynasty, along with the permission for people to resume production and daily activities near the fort.
Under the previous rule, such activities were strictly forbidden, and the tax burden had been crushing. The Kouler Dynasty had acted out of a paranoid fear of an invasion by the Storm Dynasty, terrified that their investments would vanish or that those entering the area were spies—or perhaps even Storm soldiers in disguise.
When Mohg had first learned of this through his subordinates, he had been speechless. The Kouler Dynasty's line of thinking was utterly unnecessary. If the Storm Dynasty wanted to take Fort Gael, they wouldn't bother with such elaborate schemes; they would simply march their army across the border and flatten the place. Mohg didn't believe for a second that the original garrison had the strength to resist a full-scale Storm invasion.
Furthermore, Fort Gael was strategically vulnerable. To its rear lay the endless sea. In other words, if an enemy cut off the supply lines, they could break the fort simply through a siege without ever launching an assault.
Of course, Mohg didn't care much for those details. All he wanted from Fort Gael was manpower, ore, and food. Therefore, allowing the local Caelid people to settle and engage in production was in his best interest; otherwise, where would he get his supplies? With the Storm Dynasty showing no interest in bothering him, there was even less reason to worry.
The Storm Dynasty likely hadn't attacked Fort Gael before because they didn't see the value in it. Now that the Mohgwyn Dynasty held it—turning it into a tough, low-profit bone to pick—there was even less incentive for them to strike.
Soon, Zesko reached the checkpoint established by the Mohgwyn Dynasty near the fort.
The moment he arrived, the officer in charge—a formidable Blood Warrior—spotted him immediately. Zesko's attire, a mix of heavy armor and sweeping robes, was far too conspicuous. Moreover, the aura radiating from him was unsettling.
With a sharp hand signal, the officer led a group of guards to confront Zesko.
"Hold, traveler."
Several guards slowly surrounded Zesko. Seeing the tension, the nearby civilians quickly dispersed, though they didn't go far. They watched with curious eyes; since the Mohgwyn Dynasty had established this post, there hadn't been a confrontation of this scale. This was mainly because other factions' spies either bypassed the post or moved in disguise. Someone like Zesko, who made no effort to hide his presence, was a first.
"...Are you of the Mohgwyn Dynasty?" Zesko asked, his golden, slitted pupils scanning the men.
"Indeed. We are warriors under the Sovereign's command. May we ask your purpose for coming to Fort Gael?" the lead warrior replied, keeping his eyes fixed on Zesko.
"I represent the Church of Dragon Communion. I have come to discuss a deal with the Sovereign of the Mohgwyn Dynasty," Zesko said, his voice gravelly and low.
The Blood Warrior blinked in surprise. After exchanging a look with his comrades, he nodded slowly.
"Please wait here. We must report this to our superiors."
"Very well." Zesko stood perfectly still, looking like a withered tree rooted to the spot.
"The Church of Dragon Communion?"
Inside Fort Gael, Kazim frowned the moment he heard the report. During his time here, he had made it a point to study the various factions of Caelid, and the Church of Dragon Communion was one that could not be ignored.
The church consisted of Dragon Communion practitioners left over from an ancient era. No one knew their exact numbers, but without a doubt, every member was a pinnacle Hero-class combatant. Furthermore, they were led by a High Priest whose strength was a total mystery.
Because the church was primarily interested in the Ritual of Dragon Communion and hunting drakes, they maintained decent relations—and even collaborated—with most other Caelid factions.
However, they were far from friendly with another powerful force in the region: the dragons themselves. This extended to the human factions under the dragons' protection or those that had made pacts with dragons to guard their cities. The Church of Dragon Communion was constantly plotting against them.
"...Send someone to escort him in. I will notify Lord Holuf and the Sovereign immediately," Kazim ordered.
He reached out to Holuf, who was currently at the Dynasty's main base, training the new recruits into an elite force. Holuf, unsure of how to handle the sudden visit, passed the message directly to Mohg.
"Hmm... The Church of Dragon Communion. Those guys finally crawled out of the woodwork. I thought they'd show up sooner. What do you think?" Mohg asked, turning to Lansseax.
"Me? I feel nothing toward them. Eboral might be more interested—specifically in the sense of wanting to crush them into the dirt."
Mohg shrugged. He still had a use for the Church for now and might even form a partnership; he couldn't very well let Eboral go out and slaughter their messenger. Then again, whether Eboral would do the slaughtering or be slaughtered herself was a toss-up. While the Church might struggle against other foes, they were professionals when it came to killing dragons. They undoubtedly possessed specialized weapons and poisons—most notably the Dragonwound Grease.
"By the way, how much do you actually know about the Ritual of Dragon Communion?"
"Not much," Lansseax replied. "But it is related to a specific type of spiritual power and culture. If you're willing to research it, you might be able to find a way to plunder that power for yourself."
"Mhm... I'll see about that later. For now, come with me to meet this messenger."
"You're going to meet him in person?" Lansseax asked, surprised.
"Of course not. He's coming to me. I'm just going to wait for him to arrive. But seeing him face-to-face is necessary; I need a mouthpiece."
"Fine, fine. I suppose I can endure the trouble of accompanying you."
"I think you're just bored from sitting around the base all day. Maybe I should find some real work for you."
"No thanks." Lansseax shot down the suggestion immediately. She might admire Mohg and have placed her bets on him, but that didn't mean she wanted to work. She had lived as a layabout Ancient Dragon for far too long. Suddenly starting a career? Not a chance.
Since she refused, Mohg didn't push. Their relationship was more akin to friendship than that of a master and servant.
The man and dragon stepped through a blood pool and emerged in the grand hall of Fort Gael. Mohg walked straight to the central throne and sat down, closing his eyes to rest. Lansseax looked around and, seeing no seat provided for her, grumbled under her breath before plopping down cross-legged on the floor beside Mohg's throne.
Outside, Zesko was escorted into the inner sanctum. As he walked, he felt several sharp gazes on him—Blood Warriors watching his every move to ensure he didn't try anything. It was only natural; this was their first contact, and trust was non-existent.
He was led to the doors of a great hall. Zesko was certain this room hadn't existed during the Kouler Dynasty's reign. He'd had minor dealings with the previous lord—mostly as a mercenary—and knew the layout well.
"The Sovereign is waiting. You may enter," Kazim said, stepping aside.
Zesko nodded and pushed the doors open.
At once, his eyes landed on Mohg and Lansseax. They were the only two in the room.
"Great Sovereign of Blood, I am honored that you would find time in your busy schedule to meet with—Ancient Dragon?!"
Zesko began his formal greeting, but his voice trailed off as he saw Lansseax. Her unmistakable, overwhelming aura made her identity clear. He stared at Mohg in utter disbelief.
While Lansseax had appeared during the Liurnia campaign, Caelid was far from the Lakes. Communication was poor, and many were unsure if the creature reported that day had been an Ancient Dragon or a mere drake. Zesko had never expected to find a true Ancient Dragon here. To the Dragon Communion, Ancient Dragons were essentially objects of worship.
However, for most, that worship was not pure; it was based on greed and the desire for power. Zesko, however, belonged to a different school of thought. His faith was based on fear.
He feared the power of the Ancient Dragons. The Ritual of Dragon Communion originated from their lineage, yet their power could not be plundered. He feared that the dragons would eventually destroy his kind for their greed.
"The Church of Dragon Communion... I know why you are here," Mohg said, looking down lazily. "You want the heart of the Wyrm we took from the Gael Tunnel, correct?"
"Yes, Sovereign. And if possible, we would also like the blood and meat of the Wyrm. While those items may be of little consequence to you, they are delicacies to us practitioners."
"Mhm... Fair enough. However, the blood is off-limits; I have my own uses for it. I can give you the heart and the meat. As for the rest... everything except the throat sac and certain organs can be yours."
"...Understood. But there is one thing I find confusing. Would the Sovereign be so kind as to enlighten me?"
"Speak."
"For such a minor matter... surely it didn't require the Sovereign's personal presence?"
"Heh, quite right. What I want is a deeper cooperation with your Church. Now that the Mohgwyn Dynasty has arrived in Caelid, I have no intention of hiding my ambitions!"
"I see... However, I am but a humble messenger. I do not have the authority to make such decisions. I fear I must disappoint you." Zesko lowered his head, hiding his expression.
Mohg saw right through him. The messenger simply didn't take the Mohgwyn Dynasty seriously enough yet.
"What is your name?"
"Zesko."
"Zesko... tell me, do you know which system of faith the Mohgwyn Dynasty follows?"
"I... I do not," Zesko admitted, looking up.
"We represent the legacy of the Crucible and its horn-culture. we believe in spirituality, and we plunder spiritual blood to gain greater power. In that sense, we are very similar to the ancient barbarians of the north. We crave blood and glory, and dragon blood is the ultimate concentration of spiritual power. Now... do you take my meaning?"
Zesko's eyes widened as the weight of Mohg's words hit him.
"...I understand. I will relay your words exactly as they were spoken. I was not lying, however—I truly lack the authority for such decisions."
"I know. Now, go and discuss the specifics of the trade for the heart and meat with my subordinates. I assume you know that we have little interest in mere Runes."
"Indeed. Since the Church seeks an agreement, we have prepared a gift of significant sincerity."
"Good."
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