CHAPTER 3.5: A PROPOSAL

***The Biorno pickets, at the front of the main gates of the Conclave…***

It was around the hour of the ‘long sleep’ when the Biorno scouts spotted some movements coming from the Goblin Legion’s lines at the walls of the Conclave. An alarm was sounded, soldiers mustered and armed, and the frontlines were put on high alert.

“…”

However, much to everyone’s relief, no attack started. Another report from the scouts came in minutes later, saying that the goblin legionnaires were in no offensive formation, nor they were forming one. A few of them simply left their lines, went to the gates of the school, and barricaded it shut. The Biorno military commanders were left wondering on what that movement could mean.

“I would still take care, if I were you,” a hooded figure told the Lord Castrio Sargdhenerri, who was observing the goblin defenses from a safe position. “That human head scholar on the other side is a formidable military commander, and the fact they closed the gates of the Conclave can be a prelude to a battle.”

“Of course, I am aware, milord,” the Biorno vassal replied. “I didn’t become the commander of my clan’s army if I’m an incompetent buffoon. Nevertheless, I’m curious as to what you just told me; you mean you’re going to give me powerful weapons in case the conflict begins?”

“You heard it right. Weapons never before seen in this land, or in the others. With those, you can defeat the people who killed your master, and avenge his death.”

“Weapons, huh?” the Lord Sargdhenerri didn’t hide his sarcasm, “Are these magic swords that can’t even cut? Shield-piercing spears that bend on the first hit? Or mithril shields that is easily pierced by daggers?”

“I can tell your disbelief in my words, Lord Sargdhenerri,” the hooded figure countered. “Are you saying that I’m playing jokes on you?”

“My apologies, Lord Gaius,” the Biorno vassal bowed. “I didn’t mean to insult you; however, we’ve been a victim of tricksters before, claiming to have invented the most powerful arms in existence, yet those didn’t last a battle!”

“I guess it’s better that I show the weapon’s capabilities to you instead of talking about it. Bring me some targets,” the former god demanded.

“What for?” the Lord Sargdhenerri asked, but he still sent an aide to fetch him something for target practice.

“You’ll see what I’m talking about,” the Lord Gaius smirked as his confidence oozed.

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When the aide came back with several bottles, the former god asked that those were placed several distances away from where they stood. The Lord Sargdhenerri watched in disbelief, as the targets were way beyond the practical range of their crack horns. Nevertheless, he remained silent, as he observed the Lord Gaius pulled a weird-looking weapon from his side.

“This is a Colt M1911 pistol, a famous weapon from a warlike country back in your old hero’s world,” the former god introduced. “It is mostly the same in purpose and operation as your demon weapons, only more powerful and effective at long-ranges.”

Then, with no delay, the Lord Gaius shot at the bottles lined up from a distance. He hit all of those, in rapid succession, much to the surprise and shock of the onlookers, including the Lord Sargdhenerri himself.

“That…is a crack horn?” was all the demon vassal could ask, as the former god handed to him the pistol.

“It is, but it is also not. Let’s say this is the final evolution of your demon weapon. See, your old hero’s world has perfected their own arms, and they are always finding efficient ways to kill each other,” the Lord Gaius replied, chuckling. “With these, your forces will dominate every battlefield. Besides, the Lord Emile Biorno’s people were using these weapons as well, though those were confiscated by the Conclave when he was deposed.”

“So, our enemies are using them now…the weapons of our master!”

“Precisely, isn’t that an insult to you? The arms meant to protect your master and your clan’s interest are now being used to kill you and your allies,” the former god pointed out. “That’s why, you need to upgrade your arsenal, on par with your foes. And I can always supply you with these, including the bullets and instructions on how to use it.”

“Sounds good, Lord Gaius,” the Lord Sargdhenerri shook his hand. “Though, I am curious; why us? You’re not asking for monetary compensation, nor favors from our clan elders. And, surely, our clan’s might is not enough to defeat the mighty Usarveds, if that’s what you aim for, milord.”

“That’s the point, Lord Sargdhenerri, the defeat of the House Usarved is not my goal. And certainly not money, nor favors from you.”

“Then what is, milord?”

“I know you suspect my offer to strengthen your army, as what I expected from a seasoned and wise clan elder like you,” the former god smiled. “Well, I won’t force you to accept the deal, but if you’re wondering why I chose to help you avenge your master, I’d only say that a god’s wisdom isn’t easily fathomable by a mortal’s mind like yours.”

“I can’t possibly accept such explanation, milord. How can I even trust your words? You’ve been fighting against my people before, and now you offer me good weapons. I find it too good to be true!”

“Well, if you insist on knowing,” the Lord Gaius was surprised by the demon’s stubbornness. “I can always reveal to you my reasons, but you must swore to yourself that once you learned of my goals, you’ll have no choice but to accept my offer.”

“Fair enough,” the Biorno vassal nodded. “I’ll think about it for the meantime.”

“The choice is yours, Lord Sargdhenerri. Though, what I can I assure you is that, if you accept these weapons, you will be successful in avenging your master and redeeming your honor,” the former god turned to walk away. “I will come back in two days; I hope you’ll have a favorable answer by then.”