The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order - Chapter 999

Chapter 999: Dealing with the High Council Chapter 999: Dealing with the High Council Cain and Rellin soon stood before the High Council of the Trinity Kingdom.

The atmosphere was heavy and gloomy, making it clear that things had not been easy the last few days.

The twelve council members eyed the duo with sharp and cold gazes, all of them looking from above.

They had heard the report of Captain Asidius and knew the old Duke and young Sky Lord might have knowledge about the sudden disappearance of nobles.

However, their skepticism kept them cautious and alert, with some full of curiosity, while others seemed to want the duo to leave as soon as possible.

Cain’s gaze swept across the room, noting the differences in the council members’ behaviors, making sure the Eye of Gluttony would catch even the slightest microexpression.  “State your purpose,” an elderly councilman with silver hair and a regal bearing demanded.

Cain turned to the old councilman and knew his name was Irion.

He was the oldest of the group, and to have kept his position for so long proved he was extremely wise and could not be underestimated.  Rellin stepped forward, his voice steady and clear.

“Honorable members of the High Council, I am Duke Rellin from the Arshop Dukedom, and this is my disciple, Cain.

I have asked for a meeting beforehand, but that does not matter anymore as I bring terrible news.” The old duke remained silent for a moment, allowing his words to linger before carrying on.

“We have crossed the Grotto of Sorrows and encountered members of the Dark Brotherhood.” The problem with the Grotto of Sorrows did not surprise the council, but the mention of the Dark Brotherhood caused a stir, as that changed a lot of things.

Whispers filled the chamber, and Cain noticed a few concerned glances exchanged.

A middle-aged man with sharp features and a commanding presence leaned forward.

“Although the presence of the Dark Brotherhood in the Grotto of Sorrows is shocking, do you have proof of your words?”  After making sure he drew the attention of the rest of the council, a cold and sinister expression appeared as he carried on.

“And even if they were there, how can you say they were not simply after you and that it has no relation with the kingdom?

Maybe you just want to mobilize the power of the kingdom to obtain personal revenge because you feel insulted that a mere group of assassins made you run.” Not even a second after the middle-aged man spoke, the councilmen began to glance at Rellin and Cain with sharp glances and suspicion; some even showed coldness.

The old duke was shocked by the sudden turn of events.

He expected all sorts of problems when facing the High Council, but he did not think that from the start, they would treat him as a liar and accuse him of trying to use the power of the Trinity Kingdom for his own means.

Just as the old man was trying to wrap his head around all the trouble and understand what was happening, he felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Cain looking at him with a smile.

Cain smiled toward the old man before stepping forward, performing a deep bow before stating his position.

“Esteemed council members, I feel I need to clarify a few points.

The Dark Brotherhood did not ambush my teacher and me.

We were able to sneak up on them.

That is how we heard their conversations and learned about a plot threatening the kingdom.” “You two managed to sneak upon members of the Dark Brotherhood?

Hmph, do you think we are fools, boy!?” The middle-aged council member shouted, his face full of rage as he was ready to command Captain Asidius to detain the duo.

Cain’s eyes narrowed, and before the man could say another word, he waved his hand, revealing two sets of armor and a robe with a dark handprint engraved in the center.

“The councilman alleges that my teacher and I are attempting to utilize the kingdom’s power for our vengeance, but why would we need that when all the members of the Dark Brotherhood we clashed with are deceased?” Shock and awe appeared in the council members’ eyes as they saw those armor sets.

That armor and robe were high-tier, and the mark of the Dark Brotherhood was not easy to fake.

Plus, the stains of blood and melted flesh around them made it clear their previous owners did not suffer a good fate.

The middle-aged council member grew frantic momentarily, but a cold light appeared in his eyes.

He seemed set on attacking Cain, but another voice echoed across the hall before he could say a word.

“Captain Asidius, inspect the armor and the handprint.” Councilman Irion was sharp and solemn.

Glancing at the middle-aged man, he shut him down and unleashed a powerful presence that made everybody remain silent.

Captain Asidius headed toward the robes and armor and began to inspect them for nearly a minute before turning toward Councilman Irion.

“This is the mark of high members of the Dark Brotherhood, and the blood on the robe and armor belongs to heart blood, so they must surely be dead.” After uttering those words, Asidius turned toward Cain, and a meaningful light full of respect appeared in his eyes.

The captain knew that it was the young man who killed the trio.

After the confirmation by Captain Asidius, the council members murmured amongst themselves, the weight of Cain’s words sinking in.

There was no way to deny now that the duo encountered members of the Dark Brotherhood, and if they were able to kill the trio, they might have been able to sneak upon them, and obtain pieces of valuable information.

Councilman Irion stared at Cain for a moment before speaking in a profound voice.

“Will you share what you heard from the trio of the Dark Brotherhood now, or do we need to do some negotiations?” Silence reigned after Irion uttered those words.

The entire council focused on Cain, wondering what the young man’s reply would be.

Some, like the devious middle-aged councilman, hoped for Cain to ask for a reward before sharing the information so they could bash the young man for his greed.

Unfortunately for the middle-aged man, Cain only smiled before speaking in a solemn and righteous voice.

“The information involves the safety of the Trinity Kingdom.

I would not dare to delay it just out of greed.

The council can choose to reward me after hearing it and determining just how valuable it is.” Councilman Irion showed a small smile as he saw the cunning light in the young man’s eyes.

After a moment, he performed a solemn nod, indicating for Cain to reveal what he heard.

“From what my master and I heard from the trio, their goal was to kill as many nobles that went through the Grotto of Sorrows.

The reason for that is something I cannot tell.” Cain paused at this point, his face solemn as he took a deep breath and expressed the next part in a somber tone.

“However, the truly shocking part was the fact that I heard they would gather with a larger group to attack a port city.” Shock, awe, and terror appeared in the eyes of the councilmen and Captain Asidius.

Even the most foolish person could connect the dots and understand that weakening the forces of the kingdom and an attack on a port city was the prelude to an invasion!

“What port city were they talking about!?” Councilman Irion spoke in a sharp voice.

The man barely managed to retain his composure at the shocking news.

“I am sorry, but I do not know.

The trio did not give details, and we caught simple conversations.” Cain’s face showed sorrow upon uttering those words as if saddened he could not do more.

Rellin, on the other hand, was shocked to see that Cain had chosen to keep the name of the port city a secret.

The man was confused but remained silent, knowing the young man’s wits and scheming mind were much more profound than his.  Councilman Irion and the rest of the High Council could only nod as Cain’s words made perfect sense.

After all, when had anyone seen a group of assassins and spies speaking about details of their plans during a mission, even if they were alone?

Councilman Irion stood silent, trying to organize his thoughts before focusing on Cain again.

“If what you say is true, you have done a great favor for the Trinity Kingdom, young man.

What is it that your heart seeks?” All the councilmen focused on Cain, their eyes sharp as it was finally time to gauge the young man’s desires, something that would tell them a little about his goals and true purpose.

Cain took a deep breath, his eyes meeting each council member’s gaze.

“I seek knowledge about how to become a Legend, to awaken my True Name.”