Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage Chapter 657: Theolonium Trade Deal II

CH657 Theolonium Trade Deal II

***

"Skr..."

A low, rasping cry escaped Senu, followed by an irritated flap of her wings, clearly expressing her displeasure. Despite her clear annoyance, she eventually offered a reluctant, affirmative nod.

Her magnificent form expanded slightly, reaching near its full size – just enough space for the two women to fit snugly on her back if they sat close together.

"Skr!"

Another short cry emanated from her, sounding precisely like a hurried warning before she could reconsider.

"Thank you."

Alex moved swiftly forward, giving her a brief, comforting hug, gently soothing her wounded pride. He then produced a small scroll, handing it to Udara.

"It’s the same as last time. Once you’re near the village, place this scroll on the ground, and I will bring the rest of us there," Alex instructed her.

"Understood," Udara responded with a nod and turned to face the barbarian woman.

"Let’s go."

With both women settled securely on Senu’s back, the majestic eagle took to the skies without any further delay.

Alex remained stationary, observing as her form gradually vanished into the distant horizon, a subtle smile gracing his lips. Shortly thereafter, he activated his Beta Bracer, initiating contact with Raven Horn.

"We’re finished," Alex reported.

"What? Already?" Raven Horn’s voice, laced with surprise, came through the communicator. "How did you complete it so swiftly? I was under the impression that base harbored a significant contingent of Lost Heathen soldiers?

"There were indeed many of them," Alex stated plainly, "but their strength was lacking." He then inquired,

"Have you successfully cleared the caravan?

"Affirmative. They are already en route to your location. I had anticipated they might be needed for reinforcements, but it appears that will not be necessary now," Raven Horn replied.

"I appreciate the thought, nonetheless," Alex conveyed.

"Ah, and one more thing... it appears our plans are subject to a change," he added.

"A change? I believed you had captured the base precisely as intended," Raven Horn questioned in return.

"We have obtained intelligence regarding the location of one of Peyton’s gold mines – quite possibly his most critical one. I suspect the reason Drumvale permits him such brazen displays of influence is directly tied to this particular resource," Alex explained.

"Don’t keep me in suspense. What is it?" Raven Horn urged.

"Theolonium. Does that name ring a bell?" Alex inquired.

"Do I know it? Naturally! It’s one of the most prized commodities circulating in the market. With a sufficient quantity of that substance, one could theoretically slap a Temple Pope and still receive his fawning adoration," Raven Horn responded with emphasis.

Alex blinked in surprise.

"That is... a remarkably vivid mental picture, old man. Do you harbor secret aspirations of receiving such… peculiar attention from a Pope?

"No, they are all elderly gentlemen. Why would I desire such a thing?" Raven Horn scoffed. "Although, there is one whom I have, on occasion, fantasized about slapping."

"Which Pope might that be? Perhaps I can facilitate such an encounter," Alex teased lightly.

"No, thank you. I have no inclination to face divine retribution anytime soon," Raven Horn replied with a dry tone.

A shared chuckle passed between the two men.

"So... you intend to target the mine?

"Indeed. If we can secure it, our objectives will be substantially expedited," Alex confirmed.

"Very well. Transmit the coordinates, and I shall dispatch personnel to secure the location once you have established control," Raven Horn stated.

"At present, I only possess a general vicinity. The mine is situated approximately one day's journey eastward by horseback. I will provide you with precise coordinates shortly," Alex clarified.

"An entire day? I trust this won’t jeopardize our schedule. You are cutting things rather close," Raven Horn cautioned.

"Rest assured, we will return within the allotted timeframe. I have my own ways of managing," Alex replied with unwavering confidence.

"My concern is not for myself – it is for you," Raven Horn countered. "You will face the wrath of those aging dignitaries, that cunning Drumvale operative, and potentially the entirety of BloodIron’s predatory forces if this endeavor falters. As for me, I shall be elsewhere, calmly indulging in wine, perhaps in your memory.

"What? You intend to offer no assistance whatsoever? I am genuinely taken aback. I had believed we had forged a formidable bond of brotherhood," Alex declared with mock dramatic flair.

"...

Raven Horn fell into silence.

Even through the communication device, Alex could vividly picture the expression of utter disdain that must have settled upon the man’s features. He let out a soft chuckle.

$I shall notify you once the exact location is confirmed. You may handle the residual cleanup operations here in my stead."

"Understood," Raven Horn acknowledged.

-

Elsewhere...

For Udara and the barbarian woman, the experience of their inaugural flight upon Senu’s back was entirely novel. Initially, they understandably felt a degree of unease. However, owing to her innate sense of coordination and exceptional balance, Udara rapidly adapted to the sensation of riding atop the great eagle.

The barbaric woman lacked the same level of prowess, compelling Udara to maintain a tight grip on her. She pressed the woman low against Senu’s back, ensuring no accidental falls would occur.

Adding to the urgency, Senu was keen on concluding their task swiftly.

Spatial Step!

Her short-range blink ability was employed repeatedly, allowing her to traverse immense distances at speeds far exceeding conventional flight, even on top of her already remarkable aerial velocity.

A journey that would typically require a full day on horseback was accomplished in less than an hour.

The trio of 'ladies' reached a point approximately one kilometer from the village before Senu finally commenced her descent.

Although she had been gradually reducing her altitude as they neared, this was the closest proximity she could achieve without the risk of detection by airborne adversaries.

The instant her feet touched the ground, she unceremoniously dislodged both Udara and the barbarian woman from her back.

To be fair, neither of the women was particularly eager to prolong their airborne state. While flight had proven to be an undeniably novel experience, both ladies much preferred the familiar stability of solid ground.

Conveniently, their landing spot also presented an ideal location for the establishment of the spatial gate.

Udara placed the scroll Alex had furnished her with onto the ground and channeled her internal energy to activate it.

The scroll vanished in a flash, leaving only a Greater Rune imprinted directly into the soil where it had rested.

Utilizing the gemstone set within her glove, Udara activated OmniRune, dispatching the initiating signal to Alex.

Almost instantaneously, a spatial gate materialized precisely at the site of the inscribed Greater Rune, and the Fortuna Company emerged through it.

Furthermore, Fen arrived accompanied by his wolf pack, the number of which had swelled to several dozen.

'It's fortunate the spell is linked to the Voidheart Core, enabling the mana and spatial energy expenditures to be drawn from its reserves rather than my own,' Alex mused internally.

The barbarian woman observed the entire spectacle with a blend of surprise, profound awe... and, if Alex were to be entirely truthful, a significant dose of sheer horror.

'Excellent work, ladies,' Alex complimented with a nod.

He then directed his gaze toward the village in the distance.

'Let us commence our task,' he declared to the assembled party.

***