Master Of Myths

'Unexpectedly she took the risk' 

Shifting through the bustling crowd he made way toward the center of everyone's attention, a downward spiral stairway guarded heavily by many of the Terrace's peace keepers 

Entry was not all barred however for it seemed Aminta had taken the matter a step further and allowed parties of creatures to venture inside provided they held certain qualifications

'The exploration process began already? That is very unlike her' 

Knowing her usual thought process she would wait for Ephai to shed more light on the matter before taking any action, sending her people blind into danger was not within his expectations

  It doesn't really make much of a difference to me either way, in fact it helps cut some time off my busy schedule'

That being said he still did not take a liking to the situation, it might have been a little blimp but there should be no such things given his total knowledge of her way of conduct

'This is the last thing I need on my mind right now' 

Setting the matter aside he made way to the fifth floor, fully prepared to make a commotion since waiting for a meeting to sneak in was no option given the circumstances with the Gacha race

Once he stepped on the fifth floor though the plan seemed useless, after all there was no need to sneak in when everyone was out

'What in the world is happening' 

The iron fisted ruler, the one who wouldn't budge from her throne lest disaster came knocking was actually blocking the entrance to the next floor with thrones of red, standing alongside her generals with an air of overbearance

'Did Genus Insania make a move? That wouldn't make sense as all we did is open the gate' 

Then again the future was derailed off its tracks quite a few times, perhaps their mindset has switched beyond his understanding?

'Their way of thought is not so easy to budge so that shouldn't be the case'

Feeling even more lost he walked toward the group, dark smoke oozing into his surroundings signaling the arrival of the tricky merchant

On cue everyone turned toward the center of the smoke, their reaction not as alarmed as the last time, eyes however seemed to hold some hostility

"It seems you have taken up my proposal"

Latvia was quick to reply

"I already told you we have promised you nothing"

"Come now, you don't expect to receive that valuable information for free now do you?"

"We are not easy to be conned my friend, neither are we dishonorable, for your valuable information a price is a must, only if you ask of something other than the seed" 

Verbrand proposed but Ephai didn't seem to agree

"The seed and nothing else"

"I'm afraid that is too much of a price"

In response to the continued denial of his pay Ephai grew silent, Aminta and the generals gave him time to think their counteroffer through 

<br/>Finally, after seemingly debating the matter Ephai spoke once more, in a grave tone this time

"It would be ill advised to cross me, oh elder root"

With the grave tone tension bubbled up in the air, this was a threat, a blatant threat towards the right hand of the leader

I have information and I am not afraid to share it with your enemies, was what he said, and information he held, that much they knew

"...So be it"

Aminta's words drew shocked gazes as the stubborn commander threw a shining seed toward the trader, relenting to his threat

"Grawr!!"

Out of nowhere Gremm pounced toward the shadow, red gleaming claws shredding it apart the moment the seed was caught within the smoke

"??"

Tilting his head at these actions Ephai seemed confused, meanwhile the rest narrowed their eyes, not at all surprised by the wild genera's sudden actions

"Did you perhaps forget that you can't hurt me?"

"Grrr, no, but I can't stand the sight of con men like you"

Ephai just shrugged like he did not care, meanwhile YuJu, standing some ways away, was in cold sweat

'Heh, that could have been close'

They aimed for the moment he touched the seed, something already planned among themselves, to see if he would materials a body or he was truly made purely of wispy indestructible smoke

A plan that might have worked if his aura didn't become tangible after channeling the aura beast's power into Ellis

"Anyhow, did are you ready to reconsider my alliance proposal?"

"...What would the benefits be?"

Out of pure curiosity about what he had to offer Aminta asked

"For one, you will have High Fageroth and the Solitude Sanctuary as your allies for when you decide to wage war on Genus Insania"

Big names were already thrown out, well one of them at least, the second one did not ring any bells but if it was grouped up with High Fageroth then it must be of similar caliber, though both might only amount to the power of two generals combined

"Secondly you will be given the opportunity to trade for my high quality wares"

If it was anything like the Dreonates they heard he offered to the humans then it would be worth considering

"And lastly, and this is only an enticement offered to Hortus, I shall reveal to you the origin, goals, as well as some history of the infamous…."

He let their skin tingle in anticipation for they already caught on to what he was about to say

"Genus Insania!"

Sure enough it was their nemesis, truly an enticement worth considering

"....Come back in a week's time and we will have your answer ready"

Unlike last time where she unhesitantly disagreed Aminta took the offer into consideration, binding as it may be there lay many benefits in joining said alliance, perhaps with the information and extra troops they could finally see the end of this two century tug of war 

"That won't do"

Unexpectedly Ephai was the one to refuse this time even though things were going his way

"I'm afraid we have delayed forming the alliance far too long for your sake, given the humans are about to wage war they demand the pact be sealed, with or without your presence"

"War? Didn't they just finish battling the wraiths"

Latvia hurriedly asked, somewhat alarmed that that man's race was plunging into another battle

"So they did but a new threat is beyond the horizon, now what will your choice be"

"..."

What a predicament, now what would Aminta choose? Follow through blindly and join hands with this mysterious trader or keep her old ways and cease the tide of change