The Assassin's Seven Principles of Manipulation

Chapter 376: Chapter 371 — Kissass

Zephyrion frowned at the silence in the room.

Only minutes had passed since his battle with Possum, and he’d been immediately led here, to the bastion’s war room, beneath the stunned gazes of practically everyone who’d watched him leave.

Now, the commander and the hardened generals in charge of the region were seated around him, staring at him with varying expressions. Some wore deep frowns, others looked grim and contemplative, while the commander alone had a wide grin plastered across his face, staring at Zephyrion like he was the best thing that had happened to him in years.

”M-my boy... everything alright? Comfortable? Too hot? Too cold? If there’s anything you don’t like, anything at all, just say the word and I’ll—”

”I’m fine.”

Zephyrion shifted slightly in his seat, his frown deepening beneath the commander’s almost doting stare. It was strange enough that they’d allowed an apprentice into their war room, but to think they’d actually given him a seat at the table too.

’My ass-kissing senses are tingling, my protege. These men didn’t bring you here to talk. They’re here to kiss ass!’

Zephyrion scoffed, but he couldn’t exactly disagree. It was rather obvious. However...

’Not all of them.’

Several of the generals wore grim, calculating expressions, while a few made little effort to hide the coldness in their eyes. Like any major bastion, Greywatch was filled with talented soldiers drawn from different reaches of the empire and, more importantly, different factions. His display of power was undoubtedly good news to some of them, but to others, it was clearly a problem.

Not that Zephyrion particularly cared.

All that mattered was finding out more about Void. In fact, if this mission went well, he might as well request a transfer from Greywatch entirely.

With his status as First Prime, such a request would at least be taken seriously. He could choose the royal city, perhaps even the palace now that he thought about it. Either would be substantially more useful to his goals than remaining here.

’Damn, protege... you’re going to break the old man’s heart.’

Zephyrion glanced at the commander, who was still staring at him with that ridiculous grin. The man would probably weep his eyes out, but ultimately, he’d survive.

’Cold. Absolutely heartless.’

Ignoring Demorian’s remark, Zephyrion turned his attention fully to the commander.

”Commander... the mission.”

That finally wiped some of the grin from Gonester’s face. Several of the generals exchanged brief glances, and after a moment of silent deliberation, one of them leaned forward and asked in a hesitant tone.

”Apprentice Zephyrion... are you certain you still want to carry on with that mission? We have other assignments that are far more... substantial. Missions more befitting someone of your ability—”

”I want that one.”

They were trying to steer him toward a mission they considered more worthwhile, likely hoping to gain his favor in the process. It would all be fine and good, except any other mission could take him far away from his actual goal, and that was something he couldn’t allow.

Deep frowns settled across several of the generals’ faces. Another brief exchange of looks followed, before a more gruff-looking general leaned forward.

”Listen, Apprentice Zephyrion. I’ll be frank with you. I’ve called this region home for several decades, and what you said earlier was true. What we lack here isn’t resources. It’s people. Good people. Talented people. And with you here, we finally have a chance to change that.”

He paused, fixing Zephyrion with a steady look.

”So I won’t waste your time dressing it up. We want you to stay. Tell us what it’ll take, and if it’s within our power, we’ll make it happen.”

Several of the generals were watching him closely now, waiting for his response, while the commander leaned back with a deeply satisfied look on his face, practically radiating I told you so.

Zephyrion was slightly taken aback by the general’s directness, but he appreciated it nonetheless. His battle with Possum had worked even better than he’d anticipated. He’d wanted to prove his value to the bastion, and now he hadn’t merely gained the commander’s attention, but that of the generals as well.

Sitting a little straighter, Zephyrion decided there was no longer any reason to dance around the matter.

”In that case, I’ll give you an answer after the mission.” He met the generals’ gazes as he responded with equal directness. ”As for Capetown, I’m still going. It’s my first mission, so I’d rather start with something simple and ease myself into things.”

Several of the generals frowned, clearly not expecting such measured words from someone as young as him. After a moment, however, the frowns gradually eased, and one after another, they began nodding in approval.

”Haha! You heard the little genius. Capetown it is!” Gonester laughed, looking far too pleased with how things had turned out. ”Here, everything you need to know is in there.”

He tossed a thick file across the table, which Zephyrion caught before immediately flipping it open.

’Hmm...’

Aside from the initial information Gonester had announced, the file contained a far more detailed breakdown of the mission.

As the commander had said, the beasts around Capetown had begun behaving strangely, with several reports of them attacking the town despite rarely venturing so close in the past.

The mission was expected to last about two weeks, during which he was supposed to uncover the reason behind the sudden change and resolve it, or simply wipe out whatever was causing the problem.

Zephyrion shut the file and rose from his seat.

”Then, I’ll be on my way.”

”Wait, wait, little genius. You’re forgetting one very important thing...” Gonester stopped him with a raised hand, a strange hint of anticipation creeping into his grin. ”Your partner should be here any moment now.”

Zephyrion’s lips curved into a frown.

”Partner?” ℯℯ𝑙.

”Yes.” Gonester nodded, only for his brows to furrow when he noticed Zephyrion’s confusion. A moment later, realization flashed across his face. ”Wait... I didn’t tell you? Huh. Could’ve sworn I did. Anyway, first mission. Bastion protocol. You’ll need a veteran apprentice accompanying you.”