Of course, Izroth was also helping Tal’Nis in various ways, so neither side was losing out on the exchange.
However, Izroth figured that this would be the fastest method to get Tal’Yah and the other Seventh Demon Clan members to drop the matter of punishment. Besides, it was not as if they actually harmed him or did anything else unforgivable. Izroth was not the type to dwell on such an insignificant thing, especially when there were more important matters to attend to.
“…Then, since this great benefactor has put it that way, we shall humbly receive your clemency,” Tal’Yah responded helplessly.
Tal’Yah felt strange walking away without consequence; however, Izroth brought up their ancestor’s grace towards him. If she pushed the issue, wouldn’t it be the same as looking down on her ancestor?
“I still have a few matters to finish in Malentansium. Once I’ve completed what needs to be done here, I will assist you in re-establishing your Seventh Demon Clan’s connection to the Seven Flames of Tal.” Izroth stated.
“The Seventh Demon Clan has waited through several generations for an opportunity to restore our lost connection to the Seven Flames of Tal. Even if we had to wait for a few more years, I would not complain.” Tal’Yah replied with grace.
Tal’Yah’s expression then became serious as she called out, “Kol’Jil! Zel’Kan!”
Woosh! Woosh!
The two Seventh Demon Clan members moved with haste and arrived behind Tal’Yah with their fists cupped.
Tal’Yah turned to face Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan.
“You two are to stay by our great benefactor’s side until he is ready to make his journey to the hidden abode of our Seventh Demon Clan! His safety and well-being are your number one priority—am I clear?”
“We receive the clan head’s orders!” Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan responded in unison.
Tal’Yah then turned back to face Izroth and said, “Forgive me for not consulting the great benefactor beforehand; however, please allow Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan to accompany you on your journey. Although I would have liked the honor of doing so myself, I must report back to the Seventh Demon Clan and inform the elders of what has occurred so that we may make the proper preparations for the future. But rest assured. Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan are two of our Seventh Demon Clan’s mightiest warriors. They will not be a burden to the great benefactor, and you may employ their services as you see fit.”
Izroth examined Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan.
Kol’Jil was a man who appeared to be in his early to mid-thirties and stood nearly two meters tall. Although the cloaked attire he wore hid most of it well, with Izroth’s level of perception, he could see the defined muscles on Kol’Jil that came from years of intense training.
Also, unlike the dark green flames that Tal’Yah previously displayed or the blue flames she received from Tal’Nis, the flames that made up Kol’Jil’s hair and flowed within his eyes were a dark saturated red.
Zel’Kan, the young woman that stood next to Kol’Jil, looked to be in her early twenties. The thing that stood out the most about her unwavering pair of eyes. Also, just like Kol’Jil, she had different colored flames that made up her hair and inside eyes that were light violet.
pαndα,noνɐ1,сoМ “What are the two of you waiting for? Greet the great benefactor!” Tal’Yah said as she stepped aside and motioned forward with her hand.
“I am called Kol’Jil. It is my honor to follow the great benefactor,” Kol’Jil stated as he stepped forward to greet Izroth.
“I am called Zel’Kan. As the clan head mentioned, I will do my best to ensure that I do not become a burden to the great benefactor.” Zel’Kan said as she, too, stepped up to greet Izroth.
‘Not bad. They both have yet to step into the legendary realm, but based on their aura, they’re probably as strong as a skilled War Brigade Commander. It’s a shame the Seventh Demon Clan has lost their heritage for so long; otherwise, with their levels of talent, these two would have long since stepped into the legendary realm.’
“Since Clan Head Tal’Yah wishes to place two gifted warriors of her clan at my side, naturally, I will not refuse,” Izroth replied casually.
Having two members of the Seventh Demon Clan with him would make his journey to the hidden abode much easier. Additionally, he would essentially have two Commander-level individuals at his disposal. This would help increase the overall combat power of the 9th Division, which it was desperately lacking heading towards the Night Lord’s Crypt.
‘Having these two will help lower the chances of losing any 9th Division members in the upcoming chaos. While it’s important for the members of the 9th Division to gain experience, I also have to take their safety into account. It’s not something that can be left to Astratis.’
In the end, Izroth believed that Astratis’ presence was much too important to use for the simple task of protecting the 9th Division.
“I thank the great benefactor for going along with my selfish request,” Tal’Yah said with a joyful smile.
She then continued, “If you will excuse us, we shall take our leave. I will report this matter to the elders of the Seventh Demon Clan along with my younger brother.”
“Then, I wish Clan Head Tal’Yah a safe journey. However, will you and the Seventh Demon Clan be alright? The request you accepted from that person—it won’t take them long to find out that you’ve abandoned it.” Izroth said.
“I appreciate your concern, but we will be able to manage. It is true that we are lacking in many ways; however, my Seventh Demon Clan still has a few treasures to rely on. Not to mention, now that I hold the Everlasting Flames, I can deploy the full power of our clan’s formation. The little princess and the Fifth Great Clan, unless they are willing to throw away a ridiculous amount of resources to do so, will not be able to gain entry into the Seventh Demon Clan’s hidden abode unless I will it to be so. But, from what I know, the little princess is not the type to attack head-on. So, we should be fine for quite some time.” Tal’Yah reassured.
Izroth nodded and replied, “Since you have things figured out, then I can be at ease.”
Izroth could not help but think of how tragic it would be if the Seventh Demon Clans’ hidden abode were suddenly destroyed and he ended up failing the quest.
After exchanging a few more words, Tal’Yah walked over next to Tal’Han.
The two faced Izroth and cupped their fists respectfully.
“Until we meet again, great benefactor,” Tal’Yah said sincerely.
The next moment, Tal’Yah and Tal’Han were engulfed by blue flames before vanishing as the last of the flames dissipated.
Right as Tal’Yah and Tal’Han took their leave, Izroth received a message from Menerva.
‘It looks like I’m just in time.’
Menerva messaged Izroth to inform him that the 2nd Unit was preparing for departure. She wanted to know if the 9th Division would be going along with the 2nd Unit or traveling on their own terms.
Izroth replied and Menerva before he closed out his system interface.
‘Since we’re both headed to the same location, for the time being, we’ll stay with the 2nd Unit.’
“We’re leaving. By the way, if anyone should ask, just say that you are my personal guards.” Izroth said as he turned towards the direction of the temporary camp.
“Yes, great benefactor.” Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan replied in unison.
“Also, calling me great benefactor around others will sound too out of place. Just call me Izroth.” Izroth stated.
Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan looked at one another before they returned their gazes forward.
“Yes, young master Izroth.” The two responded.
“Just Izroth is-” Izroth suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
When he saw the look in Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan’s eyes that screamed, “Anything more than this is unacceptable”, he decided to let them do as they pleased.
“No, never mind. I suppose that’s fine as well.” Izroth said as he could only helplessly smile inwardly.
Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan seemed relieved when Izroth said those words. The two pulled their hoods back over their head and positioned themselves behind Izroth on each side.
“Let’s depart,” Izroth said as he started to make his way back towards the temporary camp, accompanied by Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan.
