Chapter 571: Sky Dew
Vlad could not help but frown at William’s revelation. It was one thing if the Zanis Association had a monopoly on the war equipment trade thanks to genuine efficiency. There was nothing inherently wrong with a group that provided superior products at better prices, securing the market. But if other organizations were capable of doing a superior job at a lower cost, then something was clearly amiss.
Noticing Vlad’s interest, William did not leave him in suspense. He continued. "The reason they manage to keep such important military contracts, despite their shortcomings and the robust competition, is that they are the sole traders of Sky Dew. It’s the only mass-produced potion we have that can purge the chaotic energy of The Darkness."
The pieces fell into place for Vlad. The Depravita of Wrath had already learned that many treasures could repel or even negate the power of the Darkness. Still, most of them were rare, difficult to manufacture, and certainly not abundant enough to supply a fortress as large as a small country—one filled with millions of soldiers.
Sky Dew could be distributed on a massive scale, fulfilling the fortress’s constant need. With control over the fortress’s only source of healing from the chaotic energy of The Darkness, the Zanis Association held all the leverage they required to dictate the terms of trade.
While the tactic struck Vlad as despicable—especially given that the Golden Sky Fortress functioned as a shield for the entire Graecia Empire—he was not entirely surprised. From his prior experiences in Terra, before the apocalypse had ravaged the world, he knew all too well that wherever humans went, greed often followed. Alliances, monopolies, and underhanded dealings were just as much a part of history as wars and heroic sacrifices.
"Where there are humans, there is greed," the Depravita of Wrath muttered, his expression solemn as he let out a long sigh.
Privately, Vlad could not help but acknowledge that no matter what, he was probably destined to clash with the Zanis Association. After all, he was in the process of developing his own mass-produced Runic Formations that could fight off The Darkness—creations that would essentially compete with Sky Dew. If the Zanis Association discovered his work, Vlad had no doubt they would go to extreme lengths to eliminate him and ensure his inventions died with him.
William, observing the complicated look on Vlad’s face, felt a stir of curiosity. Yet he did not pry. Even as a Royal Knight privy to many secrets within the fortress, he was not aware of the details of Vlad’s research. No more words were exchanged as they walked, and soon, they arrived at the Marshal’s residence.
Marshal Maximo awaited them at the castle entrance, arms folded behind his back. His imposing figure exuded an air of readiness as though he were perpetually on the verge of commanding an army.
He nodded to William, a silent order for the Royal Knight to leave, and then signaled Vlad to follow him deeper into the castle. The echo of their footsteps filled the hallway.