It was the afternoon of the following day. Oniyin brought the trooper with him to Krugi. Where another of the many rallies between elites and Ether was happening.
News of their allegiance with Volatile spread to the public, causing many to question Ether's loyalty and even consider him to be submissive instead of a dominant force.
Ether stood in the middle of the war room with his hands on both of Hylo's shoulders, almost as if she was Tellendor planted in the floor. He kept his head down, hearing all the complaints as they came in.
Oniyin stepped inside, holding the trooper in his arms like his own offspring. He listened along, hearing elites show their distaste and even call for Ether to get aid from Enoptes or get replaced by him.
That's when Ether spoke. His words were steady and shoulders relaxed, eyes looking down at Hylo's freshly brushed hair.
"Do not mistake Volatile for Conqueror, I've spoken to the leader and if you allowed me to explain the situation, you'd understand why we NEED this. My Sherpa taught me listening with your ears is more lethal than acting with your arms," Ether's voice was powerful.
He stepped to Hylo's side, then locked eyes with the closest elite. "As you know, last time I visited Yarno was to bring survivors back home. Valiant was there and we talked about this ordeal."
"Conqueror Legion has one major flaw, one even hurting the armies and citizens. Hitirus, their leader, isn't fit to be a ruler. He is more of a tyrant than a straight-thinking figure," Ether continued.
The elite stepped forward, cocking their hand back. "Kas was the same way, according to you!"
"Except Kas knew how to handle himself," Ether snapped back. "He may have disrespected his warriors and elites, but he never harmed them. It was to humble each one, so they kept a level head."
"Hitirus does just that. He hurts his men, even threatens his allies. Why does he do it? Well, if you fought in Yarno for a while, you'd know. It's because he can! He can afford to die cause he can't."
Oniyin pushed closer to the center of the room. "Then why should we side with Yarno? That's their problem and we're suffering because of it."
"Yeah! Stop sending warriors to die and keep our borders safe!" another elite agreed. "Uvurim is doing just fine. Why? Because they're isolationists!"
Ether nodded. "Its too late to pull back now. We've got a Feral pack out there who lost their homes because of Conqueror. Not the Trilogy itself. Niro and Valiant agree with peace, Hitirus is the issue."
Hylo felt tiny the more other elites yelled. She felt scared, as if one wrong word could break each one and cause them to bloody her father up.
But there was a reason why Ether brought her with him and not Pearl or anyone else. It was because Pearl already was a warrior, so was Orako, Jakery and Valentine as well. Baby Azir and young Etherna were interested in other lifestyles.
Leaving Hylo as the only one wanting to be a fighter. So she had to learn what it meant to let the nasty spit and spiteful words dig deep, but remain firm in what one believed.
"... So why should we get involved with that conflict?" an elite continued. "If the Trilogy wants to kick an immortal entity, then that's on them. Not us!"
Ether rose an eyebrow, while keeping a mean expression. "As Infinus, we swore to free others of their burdens, even if it doesn't benefit us."
Valentine snapped his fingers, catching their attention. "He is right. No matter where you were born, you swore to that the moment you accepted your role as an elite. If Hitirus is the cancer, we must cut off the limb so the body could live."
"But what about the promises of every Variant being priceless? Ether himself said they shouldn't be forced," another elite called out to Valentine.
"You aren't being forced, jackass!" someone called out from within the crowd.
Hylo jumped, surprised by the rude response. It was what her parents talked about from time to time. How the entire Legion was divided between those who wanted blood against Yarno, and those that didn't.
Ether stomped his foot. "Enough! Attacking other elites for what they believe will be met with a serious punishment by my hand. I'll have Pearl harden your armor and I'll boil you until I'm sick of hearing your agony."
All voices went silent. Their eyes darted at Ether's face, which reflected an unrivaled look of seriousness.
Once they were settled down, Ether crossed his arms. "I am hearing your voices and concerns, and I agree. We shouldn't be involved in their affairs. But Kellenas and some of his Ferals died to Conqueror."
He pointed at Valentine. "Hitirus even took the vision away from my inspiration and idol. I want peace just as much as half of you, and also want blood just as much as the other half."
Hylo watched Ether step forward to the elites, letting them look down at him. She wondered what they thought of Ether's stunts, were they impressed or disgusted?
Ether opened his hand. "In this room, right now, I am making a deal with every single one of you. As Infinus' leader and Coros' eldest, I promise to not involve ourselves further in Yarno's affairs after Conqueror Fall."
Most heads nodded, agreeing it was the best choice they had. After all, both sides would be getting what they wanted.
"There's always a catch! This promise will hold true if our forces do not die to our supposed allies. If they do, Infinus will howl warfare against Volatile and threaten Ubitwa next. Is that understood?!"
Unlike last time, all heads nodded. Everyone unanimously understood and agreed to these terms. Now satisfied, elites began to walk out. Emptying the tiny war room.
Except for Valentine, who stayed behind. He leaned against the wall, hands on his hips and glazed over taint in his eyes.
"Is everyone gone?" he asked.
"Almost. There are a few left in here. What do you need?" Ether answered.
Valentine walked forward, unknowingly stopping right next to a table. "I need to ask a question." He kept his eyes pointed forward. "A request, you might call it."
Ether watched from the center of the room as Valentine awkwardly stared out at the steady flow of elites that exited. "Uh, sure. What's up?"