Chapter 476: Take Me With You
Translator: Oneshotwonder Editor: Hitesh_
"The more, the better, Captain. It will be a great opportunity to display our strength, don't you think? It will make it easier for you to claim dominance in the Maersa district once we push the Zergs out."
The thought of bringing the other factions to their knees brought a smile to Marcos' face. He wagered that it would only be a matter of time for the human resistance to kick the Zergs out of the city. Who would be in charge then? The great houses' power had eroded significantly over time, leaving a power vacuum in the region. To a warlord like Marcos, it was an opportunity of a lifetime to exert his influence and fill the power vacuum.
"I get what you mean. But, what if those a*sholes want a share of the loot? Man can do terrible things out of jealousy."
"Boss, if you want to be the leader of the world, you would have to get over the green eyes around you. If you are really concerned about safety, we can restrict the number of participants down to five in each faction. I doubt anyone is going to rob us in broad daylight. Plus, we have the full support of the Rock Buster."
There were two other factions in the Maersa district whose strength and influence was at par with, if not higher than Thunder Fire's. For now, all factions were united under the common goal of driving out the Zergs. Those who had ulterior motives were called rogues, and all human factions persecuted them upon sight.
Two years ago, a band of rogues rose to power on Mars. They raided and pillaged many settlements within House Lie's territory, and eventually aggravated the Lord of House Lie, Lie Jintian. Lie Jintian led an army and completely decimated the band. Its leader, a level twelve METAL warrior, was decapitated by Li Jintian himself. After the victory, Lie Jintian disemboweled the leader and set his heart on a pike as a message to all the other rogues.
After that turn of events, most bands of rogues put down their weapons, and they either returned home or joined the resistance groups.
Although Einherjar Lie Jintian was a mighty warrior, he had to be very careful while fighting against the Zergs. The Zergs had come up with methods of capturing and killing any Einherjar level fighter. Einherjars were rare commodities during such reduced circumstances; they were not only powerful on the battlefield, but also the embodiment of hope. Losing an Einherjar meant losing half the war.
As Marcos calculated his odds and weighed his options, he reckoned how much the resistance factions needed a central leader. He had tried many times—to no avail—to bring Guan Dongyang and the Battle Wolf under his wings. However, Guan Dongyang was very confident that he didn't need anyone's protection. Plus, Guan Dongyang would rather be his own boss, rather than exchange his freedom for safety in a cage.
Despite Guan Dongyang's turning down of his good will, Marcos always maintained a healthy relationship with the former. Marcos was convinced that the Battle Wolf was an even more valuable ally than the Rock Buster. The indispensable mastery casters aside, Battle Wolf was Marcos' only way to stay connected with House Lie and the Divine Master Sect.
"So be it! Don't you think Guan Dongyang's decision came a little bit too quick?"
"Yes indeed. Our report says that a convoy from House Lie is heading toward the Battle Wold. Lie Xuan is the leader."
"Haha, no wonder Guan Dongyang had replied to my invitation so quickly. Lie Xuan is a gorgeous little hot pepper, right? I have heard that she had reached level seventeen a year ago, and her tactics are the Tactics of the Blaze."
"Boss, this tournament is our internal business, so I don't think House Lie would interfere too much. At most, they would just send one warrior to fight for Battle Wolf. However, for the sake of safety, I think we should invite that man as our champion." Li Xiu pressed his face close to Marcos' ear and whispered a name.
Marcos nodded. "He has a bad temper, and is very expensive as well. Do you think he would come to join us?"
"Boss, time can make a hero kneel. His life had been difficult, and I have heard a report saying that the Zergs had discovered his last hiding spot, and he was forced to move again. At this moment, I believe he is more worried about having a covered roof on top of his wife and kids than his face. We can offer to bring his wife and kids under our protection, give them food and accommodation, and most importantly, safety. I would be hard pressed to see him turning us down."
"That sounds like a plan! If you can bring him to my camp, I will give you full credit for our success."
"Thank you, captain. Once the condition is right, we will quickly rise to power and claim the throne of Maersa!"
"Hehe, don't celebrate too early. But thanks to you, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. When you talk to him, tell him that it is his responsibility as a martian to join the resistance and fight against the Zergs."
"Will do!"
Marcos watched as Li Xiu sauntered out of the room. Marcos heaved a sigh and was absorbed in reflections of his achievements. The Thunder Fire started out as a martial group, not that much different from a gym. In the early years, Marcos focused solely on growth and chose his battles carefully. After a few years of careful planning and a dozen strategic successes, Thunder Fire's growth finally started to pick up speed. Marcos was very proud of himself for having created the band from scratch.
At the war camp of the Battle Wolf, Guan Dongyang gathered the warriors he had drafted to join the tournament around the campfire and gave them an inspiring speech. Wang Tong listened quietly as his mind slowly drifted into a reverie.
What would have happened if he had managed to kill Patroclus five years ago? Would that have changed the fate of humanity?
What would happen to his family and friend if he wasn't there to protect them?
When Jansining told him to look after Bei Bei, he meant not only to protect the little girl, but also to protect the world in which Bei Bei could enjoy her life.
However difficult it was to fulfill his promise to Jansining, Wang Tong had to do it.
For the longest time, Wang Tong was proud of his resilience and perseverance. But right now, he realized that enduring suffering quietly was nothing to be proud of. The real pride should be in actions to change what was wrong, to make the world a better place, and to end the suffering, like what Guan Dongyang was doing.
"Furface, what are you thinking?" Ye Zi's voice wrenched Wang Tong's mind out of his deep thoughts.
Wang Tong turned to Ye Zi and asked, "Do you think I can go with you?"
"You want to go to the tournament? Can you tell me why?" Ye Zi's eyes locked onto Wang Tong's face.
"I am the mechanic, am I not? I can identify how good the loot is."
"Fine, fine. I will talk to the captain. I don't think he will say no. "Ye Zi nodded.
"Thank you, Officer Ye."
"Save the courtesy. Just call me Ye Zi please, Furface!"
"Ok, Ye Zi. There is a question that I always wanted to ask you, but I am not sure if it's appropriate."
"Ask along."
"Michaux and the Divine Master Set are well known for their Mastery. I wonder if they provide mastery training to the public?"
Ye Zi was caught off guard, not by the question, but by the way Wang Tong said it. Michaux Odin was a legendary warrior, and only a few could mention his name with such levity as Wang Tong had just done.
"Why? Are you interested in becoming a mastery caster? You have a pretty solid soul energy, I will give you that. Maybe you should give it a try."