Defiance of the Fall

Chapter 1224: Heroes and Martyrs

"The Pryer?" Zac said, remembering the four Buddhist Silzurians accompanying the C-grade Golem. They were indeed a subordinate race to the Centigrade Pryer. "It seems awfully convenient to blame some dead elementals. How can I be sure one of your spies didn't install this thing? I have been forced to use the Yphelion a few times since the war started, and you seem to have both the means and knowledge.""Explain it to him," Kator said with a lazy wave, prompting Zac to turn to Galau.

"See how seamlessly it's connected in the original blueprint, to the point it's impossible to see anything wrong? That's because there isn't. This tracker is an actual part of the Main Array, fulfilling the function it's supposed to. Removing it will cause a malfunction.

"This array is not something you can just add on. The untransformed module here could be considered a control unit of sorts. Apart from this section, you'd have to make thousands of precise alterations to the engine and surrounding pathways to generate the actual signal. It would have to be done during construction or a complete engine overhaul."

"The Yphelion has never needed that kind of service," Zac said, the veins on his forehead throbbing.

It was impossible to miss the implication. Anger and betrayal surged in Zac's chest as Karunthel and Rahm flashed before his eyes. They'd actually dared install a hidden tracker on his personal vessel as part of their modifications. Was that why his upgrade quest was so easy? Maybe it wasn't about the war; it was about protecting their investment.

"It gets worse," Galau sighed. "I checked the original schematics for the Middle D-grade version… It seems the tracker was there since the start."

Zac was even more enraged upon hearing that. He couldn't believe he had been walking around with a tracker since returning from the Void Star. No wonder they were so willing to work with him on a custom model, pushing the reward beyond what his quests were meant to give. So much for making an investment on account of his potential.

With anger came the cold realization of how close to ruin he'd come. His original plan was to take the Yphelion into the Million Gates Territory and

"Can you imagine the backlash of breaking the Primo's writ and facing the backlash of fate simultaneously? And I can't even benefit by claiming your seal. What good is a crippled, Heaven-forsaken soldier to the elders? Someone would appear to replace me, reaping all the benefits without suffering the backlash. I'm sure one of my rivals was hiding inside General Nesko's world, just in case."

"Sounds like you'll be killed either way when you get back."

"Why?" Kator laughed. "I've fulfilled my duty. You might even say I went above and beyond by facing the Sangha to ensure the bell's descent. It's not my fault the monks came and messed everything up. And aren't I here now, fulfilling my part of the agreements?"

"History is written by the victors, huh?"

"Exactly. I don't care about the situation back home. It's just a fight over benefits like everything else. No matter the outcome, the situation won't change much for the grunts. I'm only interested in surviving and using this opportunity to grow stronger. That's the only thing I can control. The more strength I wield, the better my position will be, no matter who ends up claiming the crown."

"It sounds like you want to stay with us in the graveyard and for the mission?" Zac said, his eyes cold. "You've explained the troubles you face, but I haven't heard anything that makes me want to take you along. If anything, you've only proven you're unreliable."

"I thought you might say that," Kator said, his aura growing darker. "You've been given the carrot. Now, here's the stick."