Chapter 578: Secret plane (I)
Vlad was just about to contact Jorumguadnr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir to coordinate their next move on the battlefield when his communication gem vibrated in his space ring, emitting a faint glow. Frowning, he retrieved it and saw that the caller was none other than Agamenon, the young scion of the Solaris Family. Although Vlad’s eagerness to test his newfound strength burned hot within him, a brief conversation wouldn’t hurt. Lifting the gem, he spoke in a calm, measured tone.
"Yes? You were seeking me?"
Almost immediately, Agamenon’s voice crackled through the gem. "Brother Vlad, yes. I’ve been meaning to talk to you. There is something very important we need to discuss, but I’m afraid doing it through this method is a bit too risky. Could you come to my residence in the middle ring?"
A flash of curiosity stirred in Vlad’s eyes. Agamenon was not typically one to be so secretive, which suggested that whatever he wanted to say must be urgent. After only a second’s pause, Vlad nodded to himself and replied, "I’m on my way."
He wasted no time, exiting the inner ring of the military settlement and heading toward the middle ring. When he arrived at Agamenon’s residence—a modest, compact structure slightly smaller than Vlad’s own—he wasn’t surprised. Accommodations here were assigned strictly according to military rank, and though Agamenon had status through his lineage, it appeared he chose to stand on his own merits rather than reside in the luxurious Solaris estate within the inner ring.
Vlad knocked on the door, and it swung open almost immediately to reveal Agamenon, who wore a faintly anxious expression. "Good, you’re here. Please, come in," he said.
Nodding, Vlad stepped inside. The interior was sparse but well-kept, containing only the essentials. Agamenon led him down a short corridor to a small study-like room. As soon as the door closed behind them, Agamenon produced a strange device with intricate metal carvings and glowing sigils etched along its edges. With a quick press, he activated it. In response, the artifact generated a shimmering forcefield that enveloped the entire room, making the walls flicker with faint arcs of energy.
Vlad narrowed his eyes in interest. Even without his A.I. Chip, he could sense the device’s function: it was designed to repel eavesdropping attempts, blocking any prying eyes or ears that might be using scouting spells or sophisticated technological means. This only fueled his curiosity. No one would bother using such a high-level magic device for mere small talk.
Agamenon cleared his throat. "Sorry about the secrecy, but we can never be too cautious. This fortress is home to many powerful individuals, including Legends and even some Sages with very unusual scouting abilities." He paused, letting the significance of that statement settle. "I’d rather avoid having the wrong parties overhear this conversation."