Whenever the Civilization Protection Array had been activated, Sarasvain had spared a moment to glance over, making sure that everything was still alright. And despite the many times that his people had used his defensive measures without anything dangerous happening afterwards, he had remained patient.
Having lived far past the point where any reasonable being would stop counting the ages that had flown by, time was what he lacked the least.
Eventually, an enemy actually arrived nearby, causing him to scrutinize them carefully. Their evident cultivation stages were extremely low, yet each and every one of them could likely give some Gate Traversal Stage experts a run for their money. However, that wouldn't be much of a big deal–his Array could still defend against them.
What caused him to actually pay a modicum of serious attention was the woman that was leading this group of about two dozen. She had the looks of a red-haired, tattooed goddess, gorgeous enough to take anyone's breath away–but that was not what had surprised him. Nay, it wouldn't even have made him turn his head. In his days, what sort of darlings of the heavens hadn't he seen?
It was her significantly stronger power that intrigued him. On the surface, she was but a Deiform Soma Stage cultivator, yet she was far above and beyond the others around her. He could even faintly sense that although she could not pose a significant threat to him, underestimating her would be a mistake.
But contrary to his expectations, the guests from afar did not immediately begin to attack the Civilization Protection Array. Instead, they chose to negotiate, presenting their own terms and introducing their situation.
'So the day has finally come. Those incredible Heaven's Chosen that I've only heard about are knocking on my people's door. A Supreme Pillar of the Heavenly Court, she said? I wonder how those measure up when compared to that woman who called herself a Brocade Guard...'
As invested in the ongoing conversation as many of the ones listening, Sarasvain adopted a wait and see attitude. He was curious about where this would be going. Would it even be necessary for him to make a move?
Naturally, he was aware that his federation had a couple of Heaven's Chosen as well, but they were basically just some youngsters that grew a tiny bit faster. To be honest, he had been sorely disappointed by them–none of their Talents were even remotely worthy of his notice.
When comparing those few to the two dozen figures now hovering in the Lesser True Void outside, to say that they paled in comparison would be an insult to the entire concept of 'paling'. They were not worthy of being mentioned in the same breath, plain and simple!
And yet, their leader was even more outstanding, evidently far above the rest. But she, who even he felt he should take a tiny bit seriously, was just an underling of this Theodore Winter fellow? How outrageous would such a figure have to be, then?
'Maybe I can have a nice spar for once.'
His boredom waning a little, he actually sat up and stretched, a relaxed yawn escaping his lips. Checking to see where the nearest federation search party member was, he made his way over and let them know that he 'had been found', waiting for the news to be sent to their leaders. Then, he casually strolled to the scene.
But what felt like slow movement to him was still incredibly fast. He had to deliberately pace himself to time his arrival properly. His entrance, at the very least, should give others the right impression.
-----
Moments after Amir's excited shout, a figure walked over from the distance with measured steps. Yet, before everyone at the scene knew it, he was already standing not too far away from the delegation that Theodore had sent, outside of the Civilization Protection Array, facing them without a shred of concern.
It was a man appearing to be middle-aged, but barely. His facial features made him seem as if he was not a day over 35, whereas the streaks of grey in his short black hair shed light on the fact that he was a lot older than he looked.
He might not have been the most attractive person that Vigdis had ever seen–he certainly couldn't hold a candle to Theodore–but he was still significantly above average when compared to other extraordinarily aesthetically pleasing Heaven's Chosen.
Being stared at by his purplish-black eyes, she felt herself small and powerless–a clear sign of her instincts telling her that she was facing a figure overwhelmingly more powerful than her. Yet, having undergone training impossible for normal geniuses to even fathom, she felt not an ounce of panic, merely showing a small, polite but friendly smile.
"It's an honour, Mr. Sarasvain. My apologies for the disturbance."
Her calm and collected response impressed him, but he didn't let it show. Before coming here, he had made sure that he was at least dressed appropriately, else his federation would become a laughingstock. Still, what felt decent to him... was but a sloppily worn shirt and suit, devoid of even a tie.
"It's alright, don't worry about it. More importantly, lady messenger, unless I'm mistaken, you haven't introduced yourself yet, have you? Would you be so kind as to tell me who I'm talking to?"
He was correct, of course. All of the other leaders at the scene had been too concerned with their own future and the threat that loomed behind her–the Winter Family–to inquire about something this insignificant. Their Undying President, however, saw things much more clearly. If he didn't even understand this woman, then how could he hope to figure out how seriously he should take her boss?
"But of course. I am Vigdis of the Rún Family, Follower, secretary, and right-hand woman of Theodore Winter. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
A professional smile on her lips, she bowed ever so slightly, offering just enough respect to appear courteous. Having not yet been attacked, it was clear that there was still a chance that they could figure out a peaceful solution–ideally one that they would both be happy with.
"Likewise. Forgive my ignorance, but this Rún Family of yours couldn't also be a Supreme Pillar, right?"
In response to his question, Vigdis shook her head.
"You're correct, it is not. It is but a Named Family."
Recalling what he had been told so long ago, Sarasvain nodded. Named Families were still powerhouses, but when compared to those who truly lorded over all, they were just small fry. Not to the point that all of them could be entirely disregarded by the Supreme Pillars, but the difference was still enormous.
'It is no surprise that she chose to work for that fellow. It's like a lesser noble seeking shelter under a member of the royal family.'
Satisfied with what he had learned, he moved on to the next, more important topic that they would have to talk about.
"Thank you for indulging my curiosity, Ms. Rún. From what I know in regard to the Heavenly Succession, there are innumerable Heaven's Chosen out there. Would you truly call it a wise decision for my people to become Theodore Winter's Students? Would that not just paint a target on their backs?"
Having been asked something vaguely similar by Amir earlier, Vigdis chose her words more carefully as she responded this time.
"To be frank, from the very beginning, that target was already there. People represent potential Students, and those in turn will produce the points necessary to continue on to the third round. Every single Heaven's Chosen will either attempt to recruit them, or to kill them so that nobody can teach them. If we hadn't started out so close to you, then somebody else would likely have come to seek you out at some point."
Her smile suddenly widening a bit, the look in her eyes became more intense, confident and resolute.
"It's your good fortune that we're the ones who came here first, as we represent security and stability. Almost all other Heaven's Chosen won't be able to harm your people in any way once you join under our banner, I can assure you of that."
Raising an eyebrow at what she had just said, Sarasvain chose to take the bait and inquire further.
"Almost all? So, I take it that there are some Heaven's Chosen that your faction cannot reliably deal with?"
Sighing to herself, Vigdis shrugged, yet didn't appear to be too concerned. Knowing that existences like the one who she was talking to usually loathed deception, she divulged enough true information to suffice.
"Indeed. Although my Leader, Theodore Winter, is incredibly strong, and has potential beyond all others, while he is still growing, there are some absurd Heaven's Chosen who could defeat him. But because there are so many participants, it is extremely unlikely to run into any of them this early."
Yet again, he realized that she was deliberately igniting his interest, stringing him along. Maybe, it was a way to test his patience and character, or she simply wanted to keep the conversation going for whatever reason–in any case, he had time to spend. Not annoyed in the slightest, the fish chose to bite again.
"Are you deliberately aggrandizing your Leader, or is he truly that promising? The way that you're talking about him makes it seem as if he'd become the next Heavenly Emperor if he doesn't get eliminated prematurely."
His scrutinizing look and the faint pressure that he exuded didn't bother her. She was aware that he would be able to tell if she knowingly lied to him, as there would inevitably be some signs that could be detected, especially by an old-timer like Sarasvain. However, that didn't mean that she would have to let any secrets slip–her true feelings regarding this alone would suffice.
"And you would be correct about that. I am 100 percent certain that he will claim the throne if he is given enough time. Forgive me, however, for being unable to tell you exactly why. I'm sure you understand."
Holding her gaze for a while, he was secretly impressed. She wasn't wavering in the slightest, her conviction when she said those words clear as day. Whether it was her physical body, her mind, or even her soul–she wholeheartedly believed what she had just said!
'I wonder, is this Theodore Winter fellow simply a good manipulator, or is he really that above and beyond the rest? It's not very likely, but I should probably attempt to find out, even if it's only to ensure my people's safety.'
Having made a decision, he fully focused once more on the beautiful lady in front of him. Considering that she had introduced herself as her Leader's right-hand woman, she should represent the highest echelon of power serving underneath him, correct? Ergo, it wouldn't hurt to start his investigation into this matter with her.
"I see, I see. Well, I won't press you for any more answers. Still, there is something that I would like to request from you before we continue our negotiations."
"And what would that be, pray tell?"
Nodding for him to elaborate, Vigdis wondered if this was going in the direction that she thought it would.
"Nothing special, just a friendly spar. If you can so much as scratch me, I'll consider letting my federation's people become your faction's Students. But if not, then I hope you can contact Theodore Winter and extend this same request to him. In his case, though, he'll have to do more than just scratch me to win."
In truth, Sarasvain had been unfathomably bored for too long. With something now temporarily attracting his attention, he could distract himself from his depression for a time. No matter how this ended, he was already gaining exactly what he desired from it–a period of mental breathing room.
'It's exactly as I expected.'
Mentally chuckling to herself, Vigdis felt her fighting spirit ignite. Her gut was telling her that the gulf between her and Sarasvain was far bigger than the one that had separated her and Spitamaneh, who had been killed by Theodore not long ago. Still, that didn't serve to dissuade her. She wasn't a doormat, but a force to be reckoned with! And today, she would prove it to this figure.
"I accept. I'll give it my all!"