Chapter 415: Provocations Among Giants

"See? I told you he wouldn’t accept, old man," said Scott from the doorway.

Scott and Stephen walked in, positioning themselves beside Alexander.

"Great decision," said Stephen, offering Alexander a smirk. "Selling out to the council is never a good idea; it means trouble."

"Calm down, kid, don’t rush to give an answer," said Brian, ignoring the newcomers and refusing to take the envelope back. "We can expand the offer. We can provide you with Awakening Stones up to Level 5; I assure you that you will be invincible below the Pillars."

"Seriously? That’s your best offer?" said Scott, letting out a laugh. "You really are a cheapskate. Come on, Alex, don’t pay attention to these government dogs."

Scott’s words struck a nerve. Brian’s expression vanished, replaced by a glare.

"Watch your words, Scott," said Brian, his voice causing the air to vibrate. "I can be tolerant, but if you make me angry, I’ll teach you a lesson."

"Seems like it hurt when I told you how you look," said Scott, stepping forward. "Everyone knows that you and the pillars are errands boys for the elders. They say ’wag your tail’ and you don’t ask why; you just wag it until they tell you to stop."

Brian took a step forward and confronted Scott, unleashing pressure.

"Say that one more time," said Brian, grinding his teeth.

"Elders’ pet," said Scott, with a smirk.

"Arrogant as always... Don’t regret it later," said Brian, as sparks of energy surged across his shoulders.

"Nothing I’ve done has made me regret a thing," said Scott, locking eyes with the Pillar.

"That’s enough," said Stephen, stepping forward to stand alongside Scott. "You didn’t come here to start a war with us, nor is this the place to settle grievances."

Brian clenched his fists, but after an inhalation, the pressure engulfing the room dissipated. The Pillar took a step back, adjusting his tie with composure.

"You’re right, Stephen," said Brian, eyeing Scott before turning to Alexander. "I let myself get carried away by the provocations of trash."

Brian locked eyes with Alexander once more and pointed at the envelope the youth held.

"The offer still stands, Alexander," said Brian. "You don’t have to give an answer today. The code to the breach and access to Level 5 stones will be waiting for you if you decide to stop listening to idiots who use you as their shield."

"He gave you his answer, Brian," said Scott, crossing his arms with a smirk. "Now take your servants and get out of here."

Brian didn’t reply. He threw a glance across the room and turned around, walking out followed by his entourage.

As soon as the doors slid shut, Stephen let out a sigh and looked at Alexander.

"You did well to reject him," said Stephen. "The Breach is a slaughterhouse, and government offers don’t come for free."

"How dangerous is that place?" asked Alexander, slipping the medal box into his pocket.

"It’s the actual war zone," said Scott, all trace of mockery vanishing. "And if that fox wants you there as a general, it’s because the elders are desperate for high-level pawns."

"I have no intention of being anyone’s puppet," said Alexander, slipping the envelope into his jacket. "But I need that location."

"If you want to go to The Breach, you don’t have to go alone or accept the council’s offer," said Stephen, taking a step forward. "We have an outpost up there as well. You can join our faction without signing a government contract."

"I apologize for the delay in stepping in," said Stephen, facing Alexander. "Scott was furious watching the scene, but we couldn’t interrupt. Brian used his recruitment power on you; since it’s a prerogative of a Pillar, neither Scott nor I could legally interfere with his move. We had to wait until he laid out his offer and let you make your decision."

"That old fool knew what he was doing by exercising that right," said Scott, spitting on the floor. "He hoped you’d fold under the pressure of his title."

"But you rejected him," said Stephen with a smile. "Now that his formal attempt is over, you are free to choose. When are you planning to move out there, Alex?"

"As soon as I settle what I left pending," said Alexander, adjusting his cuffs. "If that place is chaotic, I can’t go without being prepared."

"You’re right about that," said Stephen, nodding. "But our outpost is located in a close area. I drop by to check on things. When you get there, you’ll understand; it was part of the reason I returned from Sandoria with your women. Things are heating up, but it’s manageable."

"What do you mean by things are heating up?" asked Alexander, narrowing his gaze.

"You’ll find out when you get there," said Stephen with a smile. "But there’s no rush. First, you can stabilize things in Sandoria. We’ll delay the deployment order as long as possible."

"What deployment order?" asked Alexander.

"Brian will make sure you go, no matter what it takes," said Stephen, his tone hardening. "All Platinum ranks are mandatorily deployed to The Breach. They must serve ten years there; even though they’re allowed to bring family, or return every three months, they must complete those years of service."

"And how do you plan to block an order issued by a Pillar?" asked Alexander, crossing his arms.

"Brian might be a Pillar, but he’s not the only man with weight in the council," said Scott, letting out a laugh. "To approve an immediate deployment against a Platinum Rank, he needs the oversight committee’s signature."

"Scott is right," said Stephen, taking a step forward. "We have allies on that committee. We’ll stall the paperwork by claiming your forces in Sandoria need a transition period following the attacks. That will buy us a six-month window."

"Is six months enough?" asked Alexander.

"It’s enough time for you to settle your affairs, reinforce your people, and decide when to move on your own free will," said Stephen, looking directly at Alexander. "When a Platinum Rank enters The Breach on their own terms rather than through a forced order, the Pillars’ jurisdiction over them drops."

"So the old man won’t be able to touch me once I set foot there on my own," said Alexander, tightening his gloves.

"Exactly," said Scott, patting him on the shoulder. "Do what you have to do in Sandoria. We’ll make sure to drown Brian in bureaucracy until you’re ready."