The kid looked tense and not happy to be in the corridor. If anything, Aurora had a feeling that the kid would rather not be here. Even she did not like the invasive feeling she was having.
She had a plan but she was not sure how much she trusted herself to pull it off. She already had the goddess interested in her so maybe Aurora could make use of her before she had to face off against her.
Or if she was lucky, she could woo the goddess on her side. Having the goddess of victory on her side would be a gigantic boost to her forces.
But she had to force her focus on the central figure in the room, the only other person except for the pair who kneeled in front of them. The only one who could convey her words to the goddess for now.
Even though the man was kneeling, it was not a submissive position, but rather a dignified one with one's head held straight and proud. The aura of the Outlander's leader forced one to look them in the eye and show respect.
"Take a seat" the man pointed to the two pillows in front of him. Aurora got nothing from his emotions, nor did his body language give anything away. But Aurora had a feeling that she was being tested right now.
Had Aurora been a more prideful goddess, she might have smitten the man the very second he pointed toward the seats on the lower step. Even now, the part of Aurora that was the goddess wanted her to show the man why it was not a good idea to disrespect a goddess.
But Aurora held her anger in. It helped that the leader was drenched in Victory's aura thoroughly to the point even Aurora felt hesitant.
The same part of her that fumed at the disrespect also asked her to be careful in handling the other goddess. Even the kid at her side felt uncomfortable.
"I have been meaning to talk to you for a long time now. Is it safe to assume that you are not looking to take any action against the Abyss tower currently?" Aurora broke the ice first.
The man looked too relaxed and comfortable to breach the subject first and the lack of emotions flowing out of him made Aurora feel unsettled. What kind of creature did not feel anything?
"That is right. Our goddess doesn't feel a need to make the tower our enemy. We would rather live out our lives in peace" the man replied. The words sounded practiced as if they had been spoken too many times before.
Aurora felt the angry fan inside her but it felt muted. It took her a second to realize that it was not the anger that she was feeling, but rather the kids.
"You always say that but it's not doing us any favors. The abyss is killing more and more of us every time they come here. They are enslaving more and more people every day as well. Shouldn't we fight back?" The kid roared.
The leader took it all in stride as his golden eyes met Aurora. They had aged well with wisdom as well as challenges the other had faced. They made Aurora's experience feel inferior.
They also managed to subdue the kid but he did not look happy about it.
"You'll understand one day why we cannot oppose the abyss in our full capacity. They are too big and have too much backing" the leader replied. He was right in that regard.
"I agree. The Abyss Tower has too much power and backing and that is also why it cannot be allowed to remain unchecked for long. That is why I have a proposal for you" Aurora knew she had gained the leader's attention.
She could even feel the goddess of victory's presence strengthen as she proposed her idea. It was now or never.
"Proposal?" The leader asked. He seemed as if he was not interested but Aurora knew the truth. The man could lie but the magic surrounding him could not. There was one advantage Aurora had with her adult body - people did not dismiss her ideas outright.
"We don't need to start big and take out the Abyss Tower in one go. What I'm thinking of is to set up an academy to face off against the Abyss Tower. We should build up power slowly and lessen their influence first" Aurora's words were followed by silence.
The leader did not look impressed at her idea but he did not need to be. Aurora was not interested in him but in the goddess looking at her through his eyes.
As much as Aurora did not want to become the center of attention, it was important for her to become the goddess's focus.
"You're a fool. You're thinking of setting an academy against the tower? They will never let you. And why do you even need to drag us into this suicide attempt?" The kid finally broke, betraying his insecurities.
But Aurora did not pay him any attention. She had her attention focused on the leader in front of him. His aura flared and dimmed, clearly in a debate with the goddess. Finally, he decided to aim his attention back at Aurora with a tired sigh.
"What have you planned so far? If it sounds plausible, then we'll support you. Your words and your aura, both have piqued our goddess's interest" it sounded as if it pained the man to admit that much. Not that Aurora did nor understand why.
But as much as she understood and pitied these people, she was not nice enough to let this opportunity slip by.
"A week from now we'll have the permission to set up the academy base in the Rocx valley. We're thinking of building one in the central valley and would like your help in clearing and leveling the land. Also, your technology would come in handy. In return, we'll help you hide when the Abyss decides to come for you and even protect you. We'll have a legal right as your employee to interfere" Aurora pushed.
It was entirely possible that the abyss would have more support if that happened. They had major support in the upper lands but not all the support.
"As good as that proposal sounds, I can't see how you'll be able to achieve that. The council and the upper class would favor the abyss in a heartbeat" The kid interfered. He sounded against the idea but there was also excitement in his expression.
And Aurora felt a small grin greet her face as she turned to answer that question.
"They might have the public on their side now but that will not last forever. Let's just say that I have a few people on my joining list that could sway things in our favor" maybe it was her confidence, maybe her tone, but the pair did not question her further and the deal was done.
They would help each other out and set up the academy as soon as possible.