Chapter 411: Tribal Traditions
Despite being invited to, Kaiden didn’t sit.
Instead, he reached into his pack and withdrew his communication artifact. Its surface shimmered with runic etchings as it synced with his mana. He made no effort to conceal it; in fact, he turned it deliberately so that Varek would see the glowing sigils pulse to life.
The tribal leader’s brow arched. His lips curved, equal parts curiosity and amusement. However, there was no hostility in his expression. Whether he did not know what this was or just didn’t care, Kaiden did not know.
Kaiden connected to Geralt and Tessa, commanders of the joint operation.
"Team Sinners to command," Kaiden said clearly, ensuring that Varek heard everything. His voice was professional and measured. "We’ve located the tribe."
Geralt’s gruff tone came first, steady and precise. "Noted."
Tessa’s softer voice followed soon after. "Ensuring the safety of any surviving natives is part of our duty, Kaiden. How is the situation on the ground?"
Kaiden’s gaze moved briefly toward Varek before answering. The tattooed man was grinning devilishly now that he understood what Kaiden was doing, but made no attempts to interrupt the call.
Instead, he sat back down in his throne of bones, surrounded by the many severely underdressed women. He began listening intently as Kaiden answered, "The tribe appears to be under severe stress but not in immediate danger. They’ve developed effective methods to divert the monsters using scent trails to throw their senses off."
"Understood," Tessa replied. "Then the extraction of the natives isn’t a priority at this time. We must focus on neutralizing the outbreak zone."
"Copy that," Kaiden said, then added, "For your awareness, I’ve been invited to sample the hospitality of the tribe by its leader, Varek of the Iron Plains. He is standing before me right now. Requesting permission to stay."
He didn’t phrase it casually. Every word was deliberate, every gesture precise. By formally requesting to remain, Kaiden made sure that the chain of command officially tied his presence here to mission orders. If anything happened to him or to his team, the blame would not be on them; it would fall on those responsible.