Chapter 404: Blame
Vale raised his brows. As the Clan Leader, he knew about the Grandmaster rank and True Form. He knew there was something called Melting, but he didn't know it was this different or this diverse. He understood that the information must be valuable; Timmons was already laying numerous foundations for future investments.
"What is it they share?"
"Essence, and not the ordinary, everyday essence that we absorb from the air or from slain monsters. Concentrated essence that only natural resources and treasures can provide, but those are rare. Knights make do with something else: monsters.
"But not just any ordinary monsters. Only Riftborn Titans and above can be used. Riftborn Titan monsters have power corresponding to Master Knights, but they are naturally stronger on average. Such natural barriers, formed through their refinement, will help in the Melting."
Timmons looked at them. "But we all know there's a problem with that. Although Rifts are plentiful, they are also resources that cannot really be replenished on a whim. In fact, unless a Rift is truly problematic, nobody wants to close it. And once you close it and refine the monster, then what? You might have to head into the wilderness to find Rifts, but such methods are unreliable and unpredictable because you can't create monsters with your specific aspects. But you can create Master Knights like this.
"You can spread techniques in places like the Hinterlands, grow them through fake organizations, or buy them from Clans. Master Knights are precious to any force, but ultimately, they can be replenished. It's just like a farm that takes decades to grow."
The silence that followed those words was as loud as ringing metal. Vale felt many conflicting emotions, but none of them appeared on his face apart from the narrowing of his eyes.
But his heart and blood surged with violent intent. It really was a strange thing, that he had been living on a farm. That at one point in time, he had also actively been a farmhand.
The world was indeed cruel, and his family had added their own cruelty to it. Vale lowered his eyes a bit, feeling a measure of remorse and shame for his family.
No wonder they had possessed so much power previously, and no wonder all the Master Knights had left once they lost the favor of the High Clans through his father's actions.
Timmons continued. "The Hinterlands can be seen as a cash cow for the High Clans. Barrier Breakers are expensive, and most are traded with things other than money. It has enriched the High Clans of this region and made it possible for them to amass strength that isn't common on this side of the continent, since the whole continent is somewhat starved of essence.
"And that's why the High Clans here do not really fight each other in wars. Because they don't need to go to war to harvest Master Knights!
"That's why the Akakawa trying to unify it under their rule is indeed a bold move. A very intriguing move for everyone watching."
A lot of things were brought into context then for Vale's understanding. The fact that he'd heard the High Clans were brewing war was indeed unusual.
'...so this is why it's unusual. Having a Grandmaster in a Clan is a massive gain. And having access to Barrier Breakers that can give Clan members a chance at that rank is a wonderful thing. No Clan, small or Great, will overlook such a thing. The Akakawa must be relying on something really strong to make their move...'
Vale raised his head, and his eyes had cleared. It was a rather simple thing: he would only hold himself accountable for something that he or his subordinates did, especially since there were no family members left to hold accountable.
'...I won't take the blame for something I did not directly do. I won't fall into such a pit. But if there was a way to remedy things, in ways that won't affect me, then I will take it...'
'...but there is now a problem. How can I grow my forces when my Master Knights can be taken at any time for refinement? The High Clans... I must stop them. But how? How?...'
Vale couldn't think of an answer to his question.
He said calmly, "So the Tachibana Clan are now the ones in charge of the Hinterlands farm."
Timmons coughed at the words he used, but he nodded. "That's right. You killed a lot... of their Master Knights in Akatsuki. All those Master Knights were made by them to be refined. Of course, they didn't say it out loud.
"Their plan was to do a massive harvest once they were in total control of the Hinterlands."
Vale nodded in understanding, then asked another question. "How strong is the Clan Leader of the Tachibana Clan?"
"He's a quasi-Grandmaster. He used a trash Melting ritual and has no True Form. But he's far, far stronger than a Master Knight. It's like heaven and earth apart."
Vale smiled and thought to himself.
'...if I reach the Master Knight rank, then can my power be considered quasi-Grandmaster too? Considering that I'm already as strong as two Master Knights as an Errant Knight...'
'....if I am to protect my now-building force, then I must get to the rank of Grandmaster. Only then can I even begin to dream of doing anything. Even getting to the Master Knight rank and becoming a quasi-Grandmaster will be a start....'
Vale made up his mind then.
"Thank you for all this information, Timmons. You will be compensated well."
Timmons bowed. "Thank you, My Lord. All the information was arranged by the higher-ups; they are the ones you should thank."
Vale laughed and waved his hand. "You'll learn soon that I am generous to my subordinates. Do your work, and you'll be well compensated each time."
Timmons bowed, his eyes radiating happiness. "Anything, My Lord."
Vale spoke bluntly. "I want to make use of your contact with the High Clans."