Chapter 608 - Solomon"s Inquiry
"Has he noticed?"
Satoras mentioned in the Netherly Swathe that even those "old monsters" would have difficulty discovering his true ident.i.ty. For him to refer to them as old monsters, Satoras definitely meant those at the peak of the legendary realm.
Izroth knew that Solomon was strong, but he did not believe the General"s strength had yet reached the peak of the legendary realm. However, Izroth was aware that Solomon possessed a skill that allowed him to see things that were otherwise hidden and connect any missing pieces in between—Absolute Symmetry. This was one of the reasons why Aurie suggested informing the General of Satoras" real ident.i.ty. With his Absolute Symmetry, he would immediately notice that something was off with Satoras and that he was somehow connected to Izroth.
"What a useful skill. Well, it"s not as though I planned on hiding it."
Having someone like Solomon and Yan be in the loop would help to prevent any future misunderstandings—at least, to an extent. In the end, Satoras a part of the Nether Realm, and this fact could not be ignored. Not to mention, he was no ordinary individual, but one who once ruled over the largest section of territory in the Nether Realm, the Death Emperor! If news of his presence in the Mortal Realm was released, who knew what kind of chaos would ensue? In addition, there would be several legendary realm figures out to hunt the Death Emperor!
Right now, Satoras was still in a weakened state at the Primary stage of the legendary realm; therefore, even he could not fend off several legendary figures alone.
"Until he regains his previous strength, we will have to tread with some caution. Though with the war going on, there is a lot of breathing room."
"Well, Commander? Captain? Why is there a creature of the Netherworld following you around?" Solomon questioned.
"As I thought, he noticed after all."
"Creature of the Netherworld..?!" Yan exclaimed as his eyes widened in shock. He felt that something was strange about the man who accompanied Izroth and his Commander; however, he could not put his finger on it. But, Yan would have never guessed that the man was a creature of the Netherworld!
"While I do not understand the exact circ.u.mstances, it appears this creature of the Netherworld shares a Soul Binding Contract with Captain Izroth. Moreover, the one who holds the authority in the contract is Captain Izroth himself. Does this not require a proper explanation?" Solomon stated calmly.
Yan felt a bit at ease after hearing Solomon"s words; however, he was still on full alert. This was his first time seeing a creature of the Netherworld in person; however, they were nothing like the ones he learned about from the royal family"s tutors.
"Indeed, an explanation is certainly required." Yan sighed. One problem had been dealt with, but now he faced another immediately after.
"We never intended to hide it from you, General Solomon—Prince Yan. It"s just that we are only now getting the chance to explain things properly." Aurie said.
Solomon lightly smiled and replied, "Commander, I trust your judgment. And although we have not been acquainted for long-"
He faced Izroth and continued, "I trust the head on your shoulders as well, Captain Izroth."
Satoras scoffed and commented, "You humans are sickeningly sweet. Your words are like poison to my ears."
"I suppose words like trust do not exist for those of the Nether Realm. With blackened hearts, admittedly, our words must truly feel like drinking poison to you. However... I am speaking to Commander Aurie and Captain Izroth. I will make this clear now. Even if you are restricted under the Soul Binding Contract, I don"t trust you. If I find you dangerous, then... I won"t hesitate to do what"s necessary." Solomon stated in a cold and indifferent tone.
"Oh? I"ll admit, you have some guts to speak to this emperor that way, brat. Do you think that little fairy and demon"s sp.a.w.n will be enough to protect you?" Satoras said with a chilly gaze.
"Pray that you never have to find out," Solomon replied smoothly without backing down.
After their brief exchange, the command tent"s atmosphere became heavy and tense. It was accompanied by a pressuring silence that gave one a suffocating feeling.
Yan furrowed his brows. He did not know Satoras" strength, but for some reason, he felt that if these two fought right now, the entire camp at the Rosentarus border would be thrown into a state of chaos!
A carefree smile appeared on Izroth"s face as he broke the silence and said, "It is as General Solomon says, there is no need for concern. I just picked up a somewhat useful servant during our trip to the Minor Realm mentioned during our report."
"Servant?" Solomon and Yan said in unison with slightly bewildered expressions.
"You...!" Satoras grit his teeth and secretly cursed Izroth under his breath. While it was technically true that he was Izroth"s servant, did that brat really have to go around telling the whole world?! If those from the Nether Realm ever found out that he was serving someone many times his junior—and a member of the human race at that—he would become a laughingstock! Also, what somewhat useful servant?! Somewhat useful your head! He was the Death Emperor, for crying out loud!
"Am I wrong?" Izroth asked while retaining his carefree smile.
"No, of course not... young master," Satoras replied through his teeth with a halfway forced smile as he suppressed his anger. Just uttering those words made him want to cough up a mouthful of blood!
Of course, Satoras did not take the liberty of addressing Izroth this way of his own free will. Izroth felt that Satoras" att.i.tude towards him was too casual. This was not necessarily a bad thing if both sides respected one another; however, it was clear that while Satoras may have thought a bit highly of him due to his talent, he did not respect him. Therefore, before they joined everyone on the way back to camp, Izroth decided that from now on, Satoras would have to address him as young master in front of others.
But, this was not merely Izroth"s way of commanding respect. Right now, Satoras" mindset was still that of Nekrosatoras, Death Emperor of the Nether Realm. Izroth understood that if he allowed Satoras to maintain this mindset, it would only make things more difficult in the long run. He needed to realize that he was no longer that same Death Emperor and understand his place as a servant, and having Satoras call him young master was simply the first step.
Meanwhile, Solomon was amazed. He knew that Izroth held the upper hand in the Soul Binding Contract thanks to his Absolute Symmetry, but he would have never antic.i.p.ated that the man who stood behind Izroth held the rank of a servant!
Unlike most people who lived in the Mortal Realm, Solomon crossed paths with creatures of the Nether Realm several times before and knew their kind well. The fact that he could not see through Satoras" strength or sense any death energy meant that his realm was extraordinary. Such a person was a Captain of the General Support Unit"s servant?
"Just what happened inside that Minor Realm?" Solomon sighed as he straightened the gla.s.ses on his face.
"You see..." Izroth then went on to explain the events that led up to his Soul Binding Contract with Satoras. Once he finished, Solomon and Yan could not believe their ears.
Death Emperor?! The same Death Emperor that towered over the Nether Realm many cycles ago?! They may be weakened now, but they were still the Death Emperor!
However, what shocked them more than anything was not Satoras" true ident.i.ty, but rather how Izroth was able to get such a prominent figure to serve under him!
"I have a lot of questions. Honestly speaking, I don"t know where to begin. This should go without saying, but it"s best you do not disclose Satoras" real ident.i.ty to anyone else. If the wrong person catches wind of his existence, then even Prince Yan and I will be powerless to help you." Solomon warned.
He then continued, "I would like to ask them a few questions—can you have them answer truthfully?"
"I will remember your words, General. As for your request, feel free to ask whatever you need. Of course, I have complete faith that the General will not overlook my contribution this time around as well." Izroth replied as he commanded Satoras to answer Solomon"s questions honestly.
Solomon gave a helpless smile as he understood the meaning behind Izroth"s words.
"Rest easy, Captain. I am not one to take advantage of another"s kindness." Solomon rea.s.sured.
...
Approximately two hours later...