The Infinus warriors backed up, letting Ether get closer to them. He got on one knee and locked eyes with an attacker. Together, they saw what the other was about.
While Ether was expecting anger, he instead noticed fear and pain. Causing him to open his palm, where a burning heart floated over it. He offered it to the Feral.
And the Feral took it, understanding Ether wasn't there to kill him right away. He instead looked for something in Ether's eyes - the sight of a ruthless ruler. But that sight wasn't there.
"I am sorry," Ether whispered to the Feral. "I am sorry for making your elites force you here." He turned his attention to all other Variants there with the Feral. "Stand up."
They did as they were told. When they moved, the Infinus guards kept their visions keen on their necks. Just in case one did a wrong move, they would be executed on the spot.
"Please, friend. What is your name?" he asked.
"M - my name is Netero," Netero replied. "I am from the Conqueror Legion... eh, what is yours?"
Ether grinned. "I'm Ether Coros, very excited to meet you. But..." he glanced at the destruction around them. "I suppose we could've had a better introduction to one another."
Netero awed. "Coros? Imbushko has a Coros member in their numbers?"
Hylo crept up to her father's leg, hiding behind it while trying to look at the unusual Feral. Her eyes were wide with wonder, making her question him more in her mind.
"Born and raised," Ether answered. He turned to his warriors then gestured them to lower their weapons. "Let them walk with me. All of you go and fetch me surrendered Trilogy warriors and point the survivors in the right direction."
Despite being a request, they were hesitant to carry out the order. It was an unusual one. But one of those warriors wasn't as hesitant. Because they've received this same order once before by Ether.
All the way back during their feud against the Light Legion.
Ether held Hylos hand, then invited all six of the prisoners to walk with him. Each of them accepted, sure this was his own sick way of toying with his victims before killing them.
But there was no toying, it was him being sincere. He wanted to understand more of Yarno and its culture.
Together, they rushed out of the combat zone towards the deeper grassy hills of the coast. Away from the four different conflict zones.
When they were safe and secured, he told them to sit on the grass. And they did so, trying to seem submissive in hopes of this foreign leader letting them escape.
"Now," he smiled towards Netero. "I want to make it clear. While you six may view me as your enemy, I want to be your friend. Your first orders in my region is to treat me as any other warrior."
Upon hearing the odd request, they glanced at one another. Looking around for the punch-line or setup. Only to return their eyes back on him without a clue.
So another Feral spoke out. "Why?"
Ether handed this other Feral her own blazing heart. "Because I am no better than any other warrior. I'm very much like you six. Just as nervous and just as afraid. But if we get along, we can understand each other."
Netero bowed his head. "W - well... does... that mean we can... ask for a quick death?"
Hylo glanced up at her dad, wondering what he's response will be. Only to see him shake his head and point at her.
"I am not a warmonger. If anything, I'm a father. This is my daughter, Hylo Coros. I want to be an example for her, being a crazed killer wouldn't be a good one," he replied.
That's when one of the Zegi looked down at her with a smile. She admired just how tiny Hylo was, especially for an icicle.
"We are not enemies here. Just as long as we're all respectful towards each other, we can get along. To show I trust you six," he turned to Hylo. "Little Hylo, can you walk up to that Zegus and sit beside her?"
Hylo jumped at the mention of her name, she felt anxiety right away. It was a sudden decision she was not ready for. Her heart was pounding but her body was acting.
Next thing she knew, she sat beside the same Zegus from earlier. Who now admired her braided hair from above. She smiled at her, bringing a hand in to pat her head before flinching away.
"She's not poisonous," Ether joked.
The Zegus nodded, then patted Hylo twice. "H - hey, little He-tho. I'm Vemma, nice to meet you."
"It is pronounced Hi-low. You have to add the accents into it," Hylo corrected.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Hylo, it is an honor being beside the next generation of Coros. How is it being raised by a prestigious bloodline?" Vemma asked.
Hylo glanced at Ether. "What does prestigious mean? And why is being Coros so special?"
Ether uncomfortably smiled. "Y - yeah... Coros. I haven't told you this yet, but the Nine have different families as experimental hot zones. Because of our bloodline being Coros, you're bound to encounter something off about yourself as you mature."
Vemma nodded. "From old documents, Coros seem to be more adept in combat and survival. Believe it or not, I've read about a distant Coros member. Sheyja, I think."
Netero and the other warriors listened to them talk. Slowly breaking their voices free from their shameful silence.
As shown by another Zegus, one named Nihn, joining the conversation. "Wasn't Sheyja mother to Zyrion Coros?"
"I didn't know so many people knew about some of our ancestors," Ether looked at Hylo. "Are we really that known?"
"There is a myth," Netero joined the conversation. "When a Coros emulates an ancient king, they will be able to pull them through history and use their strength as their own."
He turned to look at Hylo. "I am not educated in kings, but you look like an heir. Perhaps you should find the current king and request to learn by their side."
Hylo awkwardly turned to look at the grass. "I - I'll think about that..."