God Ash: Remnants of the fallen.

Cain's goal was to become the new kingpin of armament m distribution in Valestorm, amongst other things, completely replacing the self-proclaimed Iron Beetles.

It was easy to tell that there was some sort of social division in Valestorm.

The members of the Iron Beetles and their families that had survived had gotten rich off selling their crafts, the Pilgrims, the Hunters, and of course, everybody else; those that could be labeled as 'less fortunate', or for lack of better words, 'poor'.

The existence of their advantage in this hierarchy allowed them to take up a portion of Valestorm and transform it into something that seemed not of this world. With even more artisans amongst them, they eventually began spreading the development to other parts of Valestorm.

Most of the refurbished buildings in Valestorm was their handiwork and the current renovations done to turn Valestorm into a proper city was their doing.

Anyone with half a brain would be able to see through their intentions.

With most of the competition gone, this was prime time to strike while the wounds were still fresh and bloody, while they while they were uninjured.

Unfortunately for them, such a thing happening, where they would gradually obtain all authority in Valestorm strayed far from his intentions.

And the leaders of the Iron Beetles, for some reason, seemed rather suspicious of him.

Sure, they had been enemies a while ago, but that wouldn't explain the level of hostility this old man was showing him.

There had to be a reason.

He was suddenly very curious...

The old man didn't say anything, or rather, he was too stunned to speak for a moment.

The obnoxious man who had stood up earlier burst out laughing.

He turned to stare at Jack, rage bubbling in his eyes,

"This is your last chance. Get this haughty fool out of here, or else..."

The old man seated at the head of the table suddenly raised his hand, prompting the obnoxious man to turn quiet immediately.

There was a moment of dense silence, as though everyone was afraid of breaking whatever invincible tension was brewing.

Eventually, the old man shook his head,

"Have a seat."

Cain smiled.

He had been sincere when he told Gilead he would rather not have to fight. So long as it was not necessary, he would abstain from drawing his sword.

Instead, he would use his power of 'persuasion', on of his most powerful weapons, yo make his point.

"But–!"

"That's enough! You sit down as well!". The old man said, glaring at the younger man who had berated Jack.

Jack chuckled quietly, "How scary..."

The masked man at the table turned to the only woman there. She looked to be in her mid thirties to forties, with crow's feet. She wore a large brown robe with minimal decorations.

There was also an insignia attached to the robe's chest region. It was a beetle engraved into the image of a leaf.

The man with the mast wore something similar, only the color of his robe was a dull black with patches of ashy grey, and instead of a beetle with a leaf, his was a beetle etched into an anvil.

Cain quickly drew parallels.

There were a few more chairs at the table, showing that the meeting room was meant to hold quite a few people today, but only a few were currently present.

"You can call me Alvi Reyes. This is my son, Kaius Reyes." The man said, pointing at the man who had stood up from his seat earlier.

The man still wore a rather ugly expression, glaring at Jack who simply put on a wry smile.

'His son?' Cain was a bit surprised.

But then, upon closer inspection, he could see that the older man and the younger man did share some facial similarities.

However, he could tell that their personalities were the furthest thing apart from similar.

The son seemed rash and hot-headed, with a rather fiery ego. The father on the other hand, seemed more mature and calm. However, his eye betrayed his conniving nature as well as his own surplus pride.

'Perhaps the only similarity is how big their egos are.'

Cain shrugged, "Cain Lenosi... I assume you are one of the heads of this Iron Beetle, although I don't see you wearing a brooch like these ones."

Alvi nodded, "The Chairs have no need for insignia. Now then, shall we move on. Why are you truly here?"

Cain shook his head,

"I have told you, haven't I? It's to pass a message."

Alvi frowned, "You were being serious?"

The corners of Cain's lips tugged up,

"Of course I was."

Alvi shook his head,

"You can't be serious. Your words have no meaning to them. We should disband? What will you do if we don't? Kill us all? You should know that we do not respond well to threats."

Cain chuckled and nodded, "I have been informed of that. However, my words are no mere threats. Think of it like this..."

He paused, allowing his thoughts to turn into words before he continued,

"You have gained a lot by taking advantage of everyone in Valestorm. It won't be a stretch to say that the very essence of Valestorm's economy is tied to you. Quite frankly, it is very impressive. No, more than that..."

Cain's eyes twinkled wildly,

"It is unprecedented. I am not s very greedy person, but even I can tell the amount of gold you are sitting on. The potential is also incredible. Even if the Dome of Sands doesn't extend beyond this, in no timez you'll overwrite the council's authority and become the true hegemons of Valestorm."

Alvi closed his eyes and leaned forward,

"What you say is indeed true. However, it is all a result of our undying diligence and hardword "

When his eyes snapped back open, there was unconcealed fury in them,

"So what right do you have, to tell us that you will destroy it? If I could, I'd cut you down right where you stand for your words."

Cain leaned forward as well,

"Indeed. You have made progress. But that progress has been with selfish reasons in mind. I can tell... The weapons you produce are mediocre at best. Only the few made for the high rank Pilgrims and a few Hunters are decent enough to be considered quality equipment."

Alvi grimaced,

"You don't know what you are talking about."

Cain grinned, "I do. And I can tell that you do to."

Alvi opened his mouth as though he was about to say something, but stopped midway.

Seeing this, Cain's grin widened and he pressed further,

"I value human lives. It would be a waste to go around killing you all. Even if I did, it would serve no purpose. No, what I threaten is your livelihoods."

Saying that, Cain pulled out an item from his inventory.

It was a generic sword, one of the many he had made prior to the battle, that he stored in his inventory.

The design of the blade was simple, but there was a hint of sophistry to it as well.

The tempered magic steel that made the blade was of high quality, and the guard was made from the leather of a mutant beast with good quality hide.

Although it wasn't anything too impressive, when the eyes of those in the room say it, they could help but widen.

With a flick of his wrist, Cain send the sword flying, embedding it with utmost precision intobthe table right in front of Alvi.

Without flinching, Alvi frowned and stared at the blade while muttering to himself.

"A standard blade. The quality of the materials is good, and the runes are rather unique too." Explore stories at empire

Alvi looked away from the blade,

"Is this your personal weapon? If so, I don't think it is anything impress–"

Before the words could form a complete sentence.

The sound of metal striking the hard cement floor entered Alvi's ears.

Much to his shock, Cain had taken out a dozen similar swords and placed them on the ground.

Alvi shivered, but quickly hid it,

"What is this supposed to mean?"

He pursed his lips,

"Why are you showing me all this? It makes no sense."

Cain leaned back and folded his arms,

"I am not an arrogant person, Mister Reyes. I'd like to buy your loyalty."

There was silence. Even the arrogant Kaius seemed dumbfounded, completely oblivious to the direction the conversation was going. His eyes were fixed on the swords right there on the ground, completely stumped.

He wasn't much of a swordsman, but he could tell quality when he saw it.

"Incredible..." The masked man with the Beetle Anvil insignia stood up and moved closer to inspect the blades.

Alvi finally snapped out of it,

"But my loyalty?"

Cain nodded,

"Betray the Iron Beetle and help me put my wares into circulation in Valestorm. We'll split the profits sixty to forty. Not just weapons and equipment, but potions, charms, and even runes as well."

Cain unfolded his arms, looking right into the old man's eyes,

"I don't have to spill blood to get what I want. I'd rather do this in a more civilized way. I'll run you all to the ground with my superiority."

Was it pride speaking?

Maybe...

After all, Cain was a prideful individual.

But he knew it very well.

He had what it took to back up his prideful claims.