Aleph followed behind Askyros closely. He felt the stares of nobles who frequented the Sovereign of Faith's palace.
"Don't pay them any mind." [Ryse]
"They'll try to eat you like a bunch of Verats if they see weakness." [Tida]
She spoke jokingly.
"Ha… Haha…" [Aleph]
He tried to laugh it off, but an image of a pack of Verats appeared in his mind. They were small beasts the size of rabbits, but were as ferocious as piranhas. The first time he had ever seen a pack of those hairless rat-like animals feast, he had nightmares for three nights.
"Don't tease the poor guy. He just joined." [Ryse]
"Aw, don't be such a buzz-kill." [Tida]
She then looked to Askyros.
"Did I say that right?" [Tida]
"You did." [Askyros]
Hearing that, Aleph's curiosity was piqued.
("He's sharing those phrases? Could he be like me…?") [Aleph]
Burdened by curiosity, Aleph had to ask.
"Askyros, where did you learn those phrases?" [Aleph]
"From my father's friend. His name was Kevin." [Askyros]
"Oh. Did he say where he came from?" [Aleph]
"Earth." [Askyros]
("Thought so.") [Aleph]
He was about to ask a few more questions, but refrained from doing so when the group reached the grand hall.
"Askyros and entourage, you may enter." [???]
An all empowered voice echoed.
"That's our cue." [Ryse]
They all walked into the familiar expanse that is the grand hall. All under the watchful and domineering eyes of the Sovereign of Faith.
"So you've come." [Sovereign of Faith]
Chills went down Aleph's spine. It was as if the Sovereign of Faith's voice reverberated with power.
"You may kneel." [???]
Another familiar face appeared. Standing by his ruler's side, the loathsome blue knight stood.
("This guy… The first Titan?!") [Aleph]
He dropped to one knee before he could even think. Glancing to his side, it appeared that Ryse and Tida had also done the same thing.
("Wait, why is Askyros still standing?!") [Aleph]
Just as he had done before, Askyros simply stood.
("He's going to get us killed!") [Aleph]
Contrary to his expectations, the Sovereign of Faith ignored his demeanor.
"You never cease to impress Askyros. I implore you, what would you like as a reward?" [Sovereign of Faith]
His golden eyes radiated with expectancy and amusement.
"..." [Askyros]
He took a moment to think.
"Materials." [Askyros]
"Materials… You say." [Sovereign of Faith]
"Materials." [Askyros]
He repeated as if that explained what he meant.
"Askyros means he wishes for raw materials to craft. In the end, Askyros is a craftsman who was conscripted." [Ryse]
Pulling together his courage, Ryse spoke in Askyros' place.
"Ryse, you were not permitted to speak." [Blue Knight]
His voice emitted a pressure strong enough to make Ryse place both hands on the ground.
"Ngh…!" [Ryse]
Seeing this, Askyros shot a piercing glare at the knight.
"Do you have something to say, peasant?" [Blue Knight]
"I have something to do." [Askyros]
He then cracked his knuckles and began approaching the knight.
"Enough." [Sovereign of Faith]
His voice echoed throughout the grand hall, lifting the pressure off of Ryse.
"My lord…!" [Blue Knight]
"It is fine. Ryse, you may speak." [Sovereign of Faith]
"Thank you, your highness." [Ryse]
The Sovereign of Faith sat back and rested his head on his hand.
"Continue." [Sovereign of Faith]
"Askyros has a hobby of crafting objects. Swords, chairs, beds, and so on. Whenever we need it, he makes it. We've been running out of materials lately so he must have asked for it with that in mind." [Ryse]
"Hm… A thoughtful leader." [Sovereign of Faith]
He then raised a finger.
"This one time. I will grant you those materials without cost. Think of something else you would like." [Sovereign of Faith]
("Just like that?!") [Aleph]
Askyros drew a blank.
"I cannot think of anything." [Askyros]
He spoke so bluntly that the Sovereign of Faith smiled.
("How amusing- Ah, I shan't allow my thoughts to be read. This will be the first and last time you are permitted to peer into mine cognition.") [Sovereign of Faith]
"Askyros, I will offer you an opportunity." [Sovereign of Faith]
"..." [Askyros]
"Askyros wishes to hear the opportunity." [Ryse]
The Sovereign of Faith gaze passed over Ryse, causing him to become mesmerized by his eyes for only a moment.
"...My opportunity for you, Askyros, is to take the place of the now deceased Typhon." [Sovereign of Faith]
("What?! Askyros is going to become a titan?!") [Aleph]
"Of course, such a place cannot be taken easily. You will have to duel another candidate for that spot. What say you?" [Sovereign of Faith]
Such a title didn't mean much to Askyros, so he thought of turning the offer down. Somehow, it appeared that the Sovereign of Faith could sense it.
"If you were to take such a position, you will be introduced to the finest blacksmiths in order to forge the greatest armor for you." [Sovereign of Faith]
Askyros' eyes lit up like a child's.
"I accept." [Askyros]
The Sovereign of Faith felt much excitement hearing that.
"Very well." [Sovereign of Faith]