Death... and me

No, to be more exact, it could be said that this was his plan ever since he found about the invasion. He simply couldn't believe anyone else could have entered their Bloodline Trial unnoticed. As for the Soul Rulers, they were the ones who controlled the Bloodline Trials. There was simply no need for them to enter the trial without anyone noticing. They could totally come and enter straight away, and no one would say anything.

Roan went silent for a moment before saying.

"Do you know what you're asking? First of all, how do you expect to bring your son to the Unity Celestial Land? I believe you know very well just how far it is. If not for the test these two idiots are through, they wouldn't have appeared where you are."

Firmel then pointed at Rean and Agis before replying.

"Simple, let them go with your disciples. Sooner or later, they'll have to go back to you. When that happens, you can let him join your Celestial Land."

Agis, who was listening, couldn't help but ask.

"And you... would believe us, just like that? What if we kill your son to get rid of the dead weight? I doubt he's strong enough to fight any of us. Even Gian behind me is just a temporary helper."

Firmel didn't like the feeling of talking with humans at the same level, but he had to ignore it for now.

"I already investigated your visit to the Asume Clan. It seems like you're looking for one more helper, isn't it? He has to have at least a Rank Five Bloodline Mark, which is obviously not a problem for my son. Would that make any difference if you chose someone from there or here?"

Rean narrowed his eyes as he said in response.

"But you should also know that the helper from Asume Clan will have to swallow a poison pill to make sure he or she will be loyal. Are you telling me you don't mind knowing that humans have control over your son's life?"

That was the key here. The Asume Clan didn't know that the real leaders of their group were humans. Besides, the Asume Clan was a clan that doesn't hate humans. However, what about this Imperial Guardian? Or better yet, what about his son? He was also a descendant of the Palif Empire's Family. Would he accept such a thing?

However, Firmel's answer surprised everyone.

"He won't mind, nor will I."

Roan immediately understood something.

"I see... There seems to be a reason behind your actions than just letting your son join our Celestial Land."

Firmel nodded. However, before he could explain, a young man entered their room.

"Father, let this son explain the rest."

Sure enough, it was Firmel's son. He had been listening to their conversation from the very start. He was truly shocked when Roan's voice appeared in the room even though he wasn't present. After everything he heard, even he believed Rean's group to be from the Unity Celestial Land. It was the only possible explanation for it.

Firmel nodded at him before introducing him to Rean and the others.

"This is my son, Clad Palif."

Clad then looked at Rean and Agis as his expression changed.

"So you really are 100% humans. To think the rumors were real. However, your talent far surpasses mine."

He could see that with his Spiritual Sense and Soul Power.

"I would lie if I said it didn't bother me seeing humans performing better than myself. However, I don't have time to worry about the relationship between humans and Zasfins anymore."

"As you know, I'm a Palif Imperial Family Descendant, but from a quite far away branch together with my father. That's why we don't even have a Rank Seven Bloodline Mark like the Imperial Family members in the capital. However, there's a problem with that. Our branch of the family shouldn't have existed. Even if you look into all the other cities of the Empire, you won't find any other descendant with Rank Five Bloodline Marks like us."

Rean finally obtained the answer to one of his doubts. The doubt that Imperial Family Descendants only had Rank Five Marks. Of course, he didn't stop Clad from speaking.

"Well, there was an outside affair a few hundred years ago between the Emperor and a commoner during one of his visits to this country. That's why we exist right now. The problem is that it had always been kept a secret. So far, that's not exactly a problem."

Rean and Roan already got a picture of what was happening, with Roan saying.

"Alright, I get the full picture. Simply put, your side of the family is getting bigger, and hiding your existence that came out of an affair is getting harder. That's the same as saying that the Emperor spread his superior Bloodline with a nobody. Naturally, the other members of the family don't like you, especially the Empress. The reason you want to join a Celestial Land is all because you need a background. If you become one of our members, the Empress' side will have to think twice before making a move on you. Boring!"

Clad and Firmel bitterly smiled in response. They didn't doubt that this kind of problem is boring for Rean and Agis's Master. Still, that's a chance they couldn't let go, even if it meant becoming a servant of the humans for a period of time. Their family branch was still more important than their pride. Besides, if it really worked and he joined the Celestial Land, Clad's future would be several times better.

"Sir, I haven't asked your name yet."

Roan snorted before replying.

"You can call me Elder Haval. If you want to check my identity, go ahead and send someone to the Unity Celestial Land. You can use this token to prove you know me."

Suddenly, a token appeared in front of Clad, which made his heart skip a beat. His father had already verified Rean, Agis, and Frandin. He was certain that they weren't wearing any Spatial Equipment. However, such a thing still happened. How ridiculous was it?

Roan also saw right through Clad's question, which made Clad feel a little embarrassed. Clad and Firmel looked at each other as they used Spiritual Sense to talk. A few seconds later, Clad spoke.

"There's no need for that, Sir Haval. This is more than enough."

Roan then said.

"Vey well. You two, you wanted an extra assistant, right? Use this guy. I'm leaving now. However, if you fall into the same situation again, you will fail your test. Be happy that I didn't fail your group straight away."

Right after, the dark power that materialized Roan's voice in the room disappeared. From the start to the end, neither Firmel nor Clad could tell just how he was doing it.

"Errr... So I guess I'll be in your care from now on?"

Rean and Agis could see that Clad looked anything but happy to say those words. Sure enough, it still pained his pride that he would have to follow their orders. 

"If you don't want, we won't force you. Gian Torio here was given a chance to leave, but he decided to stay. You can give up if you want."

Clad took a deep breath as his father touched his shoulders before saying.

"There's no need. Give me the pill."