Beast Hack: Customizing Beasts and Capturing Beauties - Chapter 203

Chapter 203: Defying the Empire

Bryson leaned forward as his gaze was still fixed on Lucius. “So, you’re asking for an alliance, but one that places Volcaria at the center, am I right?.”

Lucius chuckled as he shook his head. He raised a single finger in a subtle gesture of correction. “Not an alliance, but a genuine fusion between the two.”

Lucius then explained it more clearly. “There will be no alliance. Instead, we’ll form one complete empire with a new royal family as its core.”

Bryson glared at Lucius as he processed the bold statement. “A new royal family? I don’t understand.”

Lucius smirked. “Let me explain it. The Volcaria royal family will merge with the Red Dragon Order.”

“Together, we’ll create a singular, unified power—one that surpasses all organizations, whether it was your group or empire. No fragmentation and limit.”

Bryson leaned back slightly as he stared at Lucius back. “This is a bold move. Defecting from the Empire isn’t just treason—it’s a declaration of war. They won’t let this go unanswered.”

But before Lucius could respond, Bryson frowned and continued. “But there’s still something strange about all of this.”

He glanced at Lucius and pointed at him. “Why does Volcaria want this? And why are you, of all people, the one proposing it? You’re not the Patriarch.”

Lucius smirked as he leaned forward. “Allow me to properly introduce myself once again. My name is Lucius, one of the elders of the Volcaria family.”

He paused briefly before continuing. “This plan, this fusion, was suggested by me and approved by our Patriarch. He is fully aware of what I’m offering you. Of course.”

Lucius then chuckled a bit. “But after seeing your volcano city, I may have… tweaked the plan a bit.”

Bryson was a bit surprised but still kept his guard up. “So, the Ragnar knows and you’re one of the elders. No wonder you speak so boldly.”

But his aura flared as he leaned forward. “Still, there’s something I don’t understand. Why would Volcaria—especially the family that led the attack on us last time—want to defect from the Empire?”

Lucius smirked. “The reason is simple. The Empire doesn’t like us. Volcaria is seen as a family of brutes—rebellious, unrestrained, and unwilling to bend to their authority.”

Bryson frowned as he listened. Lucius then continued. “We don’t hear from them often because, truthfully, we don’t care to. And when we do, it’s usually to go against their orders.”

“To the Empire, Volcaria is a thorn in their side—a family too powerful to control but too valuable to discard outright.”

Lucius paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. “But let me tell you something else—something that should interest you greatly.”

“The one who destroyed your base, Karion, was intending to not just bury you and your people but Ragnar Volcaria as well.”

Bryson stiffened as he was shocked. “What? To think that he dared to kill Ragnar too.”

Lucius nodded. “Exactly. The Empire doesn’t just dislike Volcaria—they see us as expendable. Karion used the battle as an opportunity to eliminate Ragnar, hoping to weaken us further.”

Bryson leaned back slightly, understanding it, but he still could not understand about one thing. “But why us? Why does Volcaria want to work with the Red Dragon Order?”

Lucius smirked as he gestured casually toward the room around them. “Because you’re the strongest group I know and also the easiest to reason with.”

Lucius tapped the table with his fingers. “Your order’s goal is clear. You wanted to obtain Emperor-level talent for years. Fortunately for you, I have the way to make that happen.”

Bryson’s eye narrowed slightly. “I see. It’s true that getting Emperor-level talent has been our ultimate goal.”

Bryson also tapped the table with his finger. “But this is no small decision. A move like this could reshape everything—not just for us, but for the entire region.”

Lucius tilted his head slightly. “Exactly. This is a monumental decision, and one that comes with risks. But with risks come rewards—rewards that could elevate both of us to heights the Empire could only dream of.”

Bryson fell silent as he weighed Lucius’ words. Finally leaned forward slightly. “Before I make a decision. I want to meet Ragnar. If this plan is as significant as you claim, I need to hear it from him as well.”

Lucius smirked, leaning back in his chair as he crossed his arms. “Fair enough. Then let’s not waste any more time. Shall we go now?”

Bryson nodded as he rose from his seat and gestured toward the door. “Let’s go.”

Lucius stood as well. He followed Bryson out of the room, where now they were going to the Volcaria Estate.

—

Bryson and Lucius stepped out of the private room. The elders had been waiting anxiously in the grand hall, immediately turned toward Bryson.

Deon kneeled before him and asked. “What happened? What did he propose, leader?”

Bryson crossed his arms and replied. “We’re going to the Volcaria estate. There’s more to discuss there.”

The elders exchanged shocked glances.

Tarron was surprised. “You’re going to Volcaria? Why would you agree to that?”

Deon immediately stepped forward. “Let us accompany you. We can’t let you go alone.”

Before Bryson could respond, Lucius smirked and stepped forward. “Of course. Let’s all go to the Volcaria estate for a grand meeting. After all, this decision concerns all of us, doesn’t it?”

Bryson glanced at Lucius and frowned. “What the hell are you planning, Lucius?”

Lucius turned to Bryon. “Relax. This is an opportunity for transparency. Let’s bring everyone to the table, so there’s no confusion about what’s at stake.”

The elders, though still wary, nodded in agreement. “If this concerns the future of the Red Dragon Order then it’s only right for all of us to be present.”

Bryson remained silent. He glanced at Lucius. The young man’s confidence was unsettling, as his intentions were really hidden.

But despite his growing unease, Bryson knew there was no turning back now. “Fine. Let’s go.”

Lucius smirked as he gestured toward the teleportation platform. “Perfect.”

The group moved toward the platform as they prepared to leave the Red Dragon Order’s stronghold.