Chapter 140
A few days later, near the train station close to the Dragon Soldier training camp.
The place, which had always been quiet, was now bustling with more people than usual. The reason? The start of the “Talent Recruitment Period.”
This was a golden opportunity to recruit trainees who had learned everything there was to learn at the training camp and had demonstrated sufficient potential. Whether it was a promising knight or any other capable individual, the effort and resources invested in discovering and nurturing them were akin to a lucrative business venture.
Among the crowd, nobles from distant regions stood out, their imposing presence drawing curious glances. One of them, Lord Soma, approached someone with a warm smile.
“Ah, it’s been a while, Count Zion. Have you been well?”
Count Zion, a skilled warrior from the expanding Eastern territories, returned the greeting with his usual gentle smile. “Haha, if I had any troubles, this old man would have met his end already. I hear you’ve recently welcomed a son? You had three daughters before, so it’s a fortunate turn of events. Next time, bring your son along to visit.”
“Really? Has news of that already reached the Eastern lands? Haha, it’s embarrassing.”
Soma nodded, allowing Zion to conclude the conversation first. After all, Zion was a powerful figure, and many nobles sought his favor.
As they walked, Soma playfully nudged a rural noble who had joined them. “You see, this man here recently took office. He hasn’t been here long. But Zion, you know how these influential nobles are—always looking for an opportunity. They’re probably hoping to secure their noble status by ingratiating themselves with you.”
The rural noble widened his eyes. “What? Weren’t you just exchanging pleasantries with Count Zion?”
Soma chuckled. “Exactly. He’s only been in office for a short while. Zion wasn’t asking about his well-being; he was subtly hinting that if this noble wants to secure his title, he should step down gracefully and let his older daughters and much older son inherit the noble status.”
The rural noble grimaced. He hadn’t expected such cunning beneath the seemingly casual exchange of pleasantries. Indeed, in the political arena, nobles with thick skin didn’t take even a simple greeting lightly.
Soma continued, “Becoming a noble after your father isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. After a few rounds of endless power struggles, you’ll change your mind. Sometimes it’s better not to accept such titles. Haha.”
As they conversed, nobles and officials from various institutions arrived at the train station. From non-combat agencies to the frontline operatives of the Surveillance Bureau and the Security Corps, they all made their way to the training camp.
Most of the officials brushed off the nobles’ attempts to approach them, maintaining a polite yet firm demeanor. But not all officials were equally dismissive.
“Perhaps they’ll arrive soon,” Diana, the head of the Surveillance Bureau, waited at the station. Despite her urgent need to review trainee information, something more pressing occupied her mind.
Soon, someone approached her—none other than Count Zion, followed by a retinue of attendants.
“Long time no see, Director of the Surveillance Bureau. Has it been three years?”
Diana’s expression revealed her annoyance, but Zion remained undeterred. He seemed genuinely interested, sticking close to her side.
“Director, do you also have someone you’re waiting for?”
“Yes, I believe the last arrival should be here soon. Count Zion, you have many people waiting for you. Perhaps you should leave promptly.”
Zion chuckled, seemingly amused by Diana’s sharp tone. He gestured toward the incoming train.
“Well, I’m also waiting for someone.”
“Count Zion waiting eagerly? But His Highness the Crown Prince is already at the training camp.”
Zion’s smile widened. “Well, the person I’m waiting for might be the same as the one you’re waiting for.”
Diana frowned. Being in the Surveillance Bureau didn’t grant her the authority to dismiss a powerful figure like Zion.
Suddenly, a loud noise interrupted their conversation.
Vroooom!
A sleek, black train pulled into the station, its polished surface gleaming. As the doors opened, a stream of people poured out.
Diana and Zion both widened their eyes, searching for someone. Finally, they locked eyes with the last person to disembark.
This individual’s attire stood out from the other passengers. Instead of the heavy fur coats worn by most travelers, they wore a relatively thin leather outfit. It was made from materials salvaged from dismantled monsters—an Armenian creation.
The person who stepped off the train, Yan, greeted familiar faces with a cool smile.
“Long time no see, everyone
* * *
Diana marveled at Yan’s rapid transformation, which had occurred in just a few months. Once, she could gauge his martial prowess with precision, but now…
“I’m not so sure anymore.”
For someone like her, who had reached the realm of superhumans, there were only two reasons for this uncertainty: either Yan possessed an artifact that could conceal his true level, or he had ascended to the realm of superhumans himself.
With a hint of curiosity, Diana probed, “Have you recently…”
Before she could finish, Yan flashed a knowing grin. “You’re probably right in your guess.”
“Indeed!” Diana exclaimed. His growth was astonishing, far beyond what one would expect from an eighteen-year-old. To think he had reached the realm of superhumans before even turning twenty—a feat that even the youngest prince in the empire’s history had only achieved at twenty-three, and that too with the greatest martial talent ever known, aided by potent elixirs and intensive private tutoring from the Duke.
Yet, Yan had none of that fervent support. If anything, his training at the academy and access to the imperial armory were all he had.
Diana’s gaze grew steely as she pondered, “A needle will eventually pierce through the pocket… For better or worse, this man will shake the empire within a decade.”
But that was a worry for another day.
With a composed expression, Diana extended her hand to Yan. “Thank you for keeping your promise regarding the special task force. It’s a pity I couldn’t witness it with my own eyes.”
Yan accepted the handshake. “It couldn’t be helped. I heard you played some tricks on the Surveillance Bureau. But why were you waiting for me?”
Diana offered a bittersweet smile. “I hadn’t thanked you yet. We’re not exactly neighbors, after all.”
Considering the day-long train journey between Armenia and the capital, her point was clear.
“Ah, I see.”
After the handshake, Diana promptly walked towards the training camp, leaving Yan to turn his attention elsewhere.
Count Zion awaited him.
“The mask has been discarded,” Yan thought, noticing the mix of greed and anticipation on Zion’s face.
Zion approached Yan eagerly. “I thought my neck would stretch from waiting. It’s time to deliver on your promise, isn’t it?”
He referred to their past deal—the remedy capable of purifying the Dead Plains of the East.
Yan nodded, producing a vial from his cloak. “Of course.”
Zion’s brow furrowed slightly at the sight. “Is that all?”
“Didn’t I tell you? I’ll shorten a plan that would take 20 or 30 years down to three.”
Zion remembered Yan’s words and nodded.
“This is a prototype. Proof that my words are no lie.”
“And that means?”
“It will take some time before mass production begins. This is the prototype, and once production starts, I’ll send them regularly to House Zion.”
Zion’s eyebrows twitched. It sounded like a promise to honor the deal, but the seasoned politician knew there was more to it.
“So, for better or worse, we’ll maintain a very close relationship for at least three years? Even if it costs me my gallbladder.”
The drug had him hooked. If it truly worked, he’d have to ensure Yan’s well-being to keep the supply flowing.
Zion took a deep breath to calm his racing heart and looked at Yan with eyes gleaming with pure light.
“I’ll trust you.”
“Thank you.”
Yan bowed his head, but Zion couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d been outplayed.
Shaking his head, Zion focused on the bigger picture—securing his position as the Duke of the East. If tolerating a slight loss to Yan meant accelerating his plans, it was a price worth paying.
“Then our deal is concluded. Shall we head to the training camp? You’re here for the talent recruitment, aren’t you?”
“Indeed.”
Zion asked playfully, “But can you really spot any worthy talents among all these nobles and officials? You’ve only been a noble for less than a year, haven’t you?”
His tone was mocking, but Yan remained unfazed, his face brimming with confident amusement.
“You might have to give up on this year’s recruitment, Count.”
Zion’s eyes widened at Yan’s assertion, then he burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! Well then, let’s see!”
Yan shrugged nonchalantly. Zion might have taken his words as youthful bravado, but how long would that amused expression last?
“Surely, this won’t lead to any hard feelings between us?”
“What a thing to say!”
Zion laughed heartily and led the way, with Yan following him to the training camp.