Primordial's Conquest

Chapter 11: The hold

Arbus headed towards Yome and Bridge as he strode past the imposing doors of the Hold.

He stopped moments later, realising they hadn't gotten very far.

He could understand why, as well.

"W-wow" Bridge muttered in amazement as his eyes wandered excitedly.

The ground floor of the hold was a Marvel to behold.

The floor's glistening ceiling soared hundreds of meters above them – vast enough for even a Gold Mornan to move freely without constraint. This was merely one floor among the hundreds that comprised the colossal structure.

The building's walls were even more lustrous, the light reflecting brilliantly off their pristine surface.

They could see various Administrative Renegades heading up and down from the transparent shafts that lined the walls.

In front of them were several opulent counters crowded by Renegades of all species.

The three of them could instinctively tell that most of these Renegades were at the level of a commander.

From the look of it, they were arguing to claim various missions as they appeared on the quest board behind the administrative personnel.

Just like last time, the scene reminded Arbus of the adventurer guilds in the novel stories his dad used to tell him.

This was one of the many purposes of the hold. Relatively new stage 3 Renegades unaffiliated with any planet were allowed to freely take dangerous missions around the star system – and sometimes beyond, as they come.

It served as a way for them to train and master their newfound strength while earning rewards.

These Renegades were incomparable to more experienced ones at the same stage – like the guards in front of the Hold.

Then, Arbus's gaze fell on the projections on the walls above them. Each of them displayed the status of the 70 planets and over 100 civilized moons and asteroids in the star system.

He could see categories such as population figures, puppies infestation levels, and so much more.

Eventually, his gaze landed on the projection showing Terytl-B. He noticed it had been greyed out as a somber expression crossed his face.

There were a few commanders crowding around the display with sorrowful expressions, as well.

It seemed everyone present had already been informed about the tragedy.

He could overhear several conversations happening around him.

"It still feels unreal, an entire planet... Wiped out just like that. It's really so troubling."

"These monst- ah, Reincarnators are getting even bolder it seems. I wonder what the council is going to do about this."

"What else do you want them to do? They already announced they killed the one responsible. Nothing else we can do about it now."

"Just mourn and move on, I guess."

Arbus frowned when he heard them mention the Council's claim about killing Ronin.

'So that's the official story.'

'...Whatever I guess'

Then, Arbus noticed several Commanders glancing their way, their eyes narrowing when they saw he wasn't wearing any restraints.

He frowned as he saw them shift slightly – their hands closing in on their weapons slowly.

Just then, A female Remarta with glistening sapphire skin, honey-colored eyes, and flawless raven dark hair strode up to them with her spade-tipped tail swaying gently behind her.

"Vanguard Yome Kyun I presume?" she questioned, a bright smile plastered on her face – her demeanor completely different from when she was with Bastain.

Yome was still glancing around in awe when she finally noticed Ophilia's presence. She immediately straightened up, her composure returning in an instant.

Yome and Bridge both bowed deeply in respect. Just like before, Arbus didn't bother doing the same.

"Yes I am. It's an honour to meet you in person, Commander Ophilia." She replied.

Ophilia smiled slightly, then chuckled.

"So cute. You don't have to be so formal with me."

"I suppose I'm like the Sentinel in that regard. We prefer if everyone in the Hold were more casual with each other – like friends, I suppose."

She glanced around, then leaned in slightly. "After all, no one knows when we'll all die tragically to the endless invading Reincarnators. It's best to live your life to the fullest while you can, according to him." She said with a smile.

Bridge exchanged glances with Arbus.

Yome blinked rapidly, unsure how to respond to such casual bluntness from a high ranking official.

"That's... surprisingly dark." Bridge muttered under his breath.

"Yes, the truth often is. Follow along now. The Sentinel is waiting for you." she commanded as she led them to one of the transparent lifts that shot up the building's massive interior.

"Wait what? All of us?" Bridge asked puzzled.

Ophilia turned back, her head tilting slightly.

"Naturally. That's why you were called here. He'd have also liked to meet the rest of your team, but this is okay too."

Then she turned away as she strolled towards the lift.

As they walked, Ophilia shot a look at the Commanders who had been eyeing their group hostilely.

They quickly averted their gazes, suddenly finding other things to occupy their attention.

As they got in the lift, Ophilia opened up a panel and typed in a code.

Then the numbers on the panel's screen disappeared as it displayed a large S a few seconds later.

The lift shot up, its motion barely noticeable to those within despite the speed it was moving at.

A tense silence settled among the four of them for several long moments.

Then Ophilia turned to meet Arbus's gaze directly.

Her beautiful eyes were filled with an unreadable emotion.

"It's nice to see you again, Arbus."

"It seems you've been well. I'm glad." She said with a slight smile.

Yome and Bridge's expressions shifted as they turned their attention to Arbus again, wondering why he'd met such a high ranking official before.

The mysteries surrounding the half-human only seemed to increase as time went on.

"The Sentinel just got out of a meeting with the High Commanders concerning Terytl-B. And naturally, your case as well." Ophilia continued.

"Which is why it took us so long to summon you. I apologize for the delay." She said, directing the last part to Yome.

"It's no problem, Commander Ophilia." Yome muttered – unsurprised that the Terytl-b matter was receiving so much attention.

Arbus's expression darkened imperceptibly at the mention of the High Commanders.

His thoughts drifted back to the complicated mix of emotions he'd seen on his grandfather's face. Arbus remembered when he was younger, and how Nash had always visited his Mom to discipline her – which was just an excuse to see him.

But now... that same Tarokian regarded him with undisguised contempt. The half human grandson. The living reminder of his daughter's disgrace.

The lift accelerated through the heart of the Hold, offering breathtaking glimpses of various departments through the transparent sections of the shaft.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Ophilia said, noticing Bridge pressed against the transparent wall. "Unlike the lower floors that mostly handle the most simplistic matters – these floors are where decisions for over the trillion lives across the star system are made."

"Even the High Commanders who oppose him had to admit Bastain's design was more efficient than the old base."

After a few more minutes of silence, the lift came to a halt as the doors opened to reveal a bright corridor that was surprisingly modest compared to the grandeur below.

It was a simple hallway with bright carpeted floors. The walls were lined with portraits of past Sentinels of this star system.

Yome's expression shifted slightly as her gaze landed on an image of the current king of the N-0 Starseeker Galaxy.

"Come along now."

Ophilia led them down the hall for a few more minutes, until they finally arrived at their destination.

She paused before a set of unassuming wooden doors, then pushed them open, gesturing for the group to enter.

Bridge's eyes widened slightly, as they tentatively strode into the room.

"That's—"

Books. Thousands upon thousands of physical books lined the walls from floor to ceiling. Most of them were clearly ancient. The universe was currently in an age where almost all forms of knowledge existed digitally, so the sight was quite surprising for him.

Eventually, the three visitors turned toward the ornate desk of dark wood where Bastain sat, seemingly absorbed in one of his books.

After several moments, he turned to them, his silver hair glinting in the room's light as a smile spread across his features.

"Ah, you're finally here. Welcome, brave Renegades!"