"System, open quest progress."
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Quests:
Main Quest: [Moonlit Cavern] (Progress: 10%)
Side Quest: [Get Supporters] (Progress: 50%)
Side Quest : [Find Ixia ] (Progress : 15 %)
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Hmm... Looks good.
Knock. Knock.
"Come in." Valac yelled as he sheathed the sword he had been cleaning. "What is it, Xavier?"
"The Subjugation Team has assembled on the training grounds. Please head there."
Valac strode down the dimly lit hallways toward the training grounds, his footsteps echoing against the stone floors. The faint clinking of armor and the murmur of voices grew louder as he approached, and a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
Time to meet my lovely subjugation team.
As he neared the entrance, the voices became clearer, the unmistakable sound of soldiers muttering among themselves.
Valac paused just outside the door, listening intently. He could already tell they were talking about him.
"Can't believe we're stuck babysitting him," one voice said with clear disdain.
"Yeah, he's a joke. No mana, no skills, just the Duke's love project," another chimed in, a hint of a sneer in his tone.
Valac's smirk widened. So predictable.
"I heard the Duchess wanted him dead," a deeper voice joined in. "Can't blame her. He's a stain on the family name. What does the Duke even see in him? If it wasn't for Lady Darina he would have been banished long back."
There was a short pause before someone else spoke, their tone more hesitant.
"But still… going to the Shadow Forest? That's a death sentence. Maybe the Duke's finally realized what a waste Valac is."
Valac leaned against the wall, arms crossed, enjoying the conversation.
Let them have their fun.
"But Commander Vayne is leading us," the hesitant voice continued. "Maybe there's a chance…"
"Commander Vayne?" another scoffed. "He's leading us because it's Valac. This mission is doomed from the start, and everyone knows it. Sir Christian have always led the missions he was assigned. That's how worthless Valac is."
The sound of laughter echoed through the door, and Valac felt a spark of irritation flare in his chest. He straightened, his smirk fading as his eyes darkened.
Alright, let's meet the team.
He pushed the door open with more force than necessary, and the room fell silent almost immediately.
The soldiers—about ten of them—stood around in loose formation, their expressions ranging from surprise to outright disdain. Valac's sharp gaze swept over them, noting their body language, their confidence, and the subtle challenge in their eyes.
But one figure stood out from the rest: Commander Cedric Vayne.
Tall, broad-shouldered, and carrying himself with the authority of a seasoned warrior, Cedric exuded a quiet power that commanded respect. His silver armor gleamed under the torchlight, and his dark hair was cropped short, with a scar running across his left cheek, a reminder of countless battles fought and won.
Valac's heart skipped a beat.
The legendary commander in the game who later fought trying to suppress Christian who summoned the demon in order to save Noctis Duchy. So, The other person was this, huh.
The Duke didn't disappoint.
Cedric's piercing blue eyes locked onto Valac's as he approached, and for a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath.
"Commander Vayne," Valac said smoothly, his voice carrying an undertone of amusement. "A pleasure to finally meet the swordsmaster of Noctis. So, how's my "suicide mission" coming along?"
Valac's aura turned cold, sending a chill down the entire team's spine. A flicker of something passed over Cedric's face—surprise, perhaps?—but it was gone in an instant, replaced by a calm, measured expression.
"Young Master Valac," he replied, his tone formal. "I was under the impression this mission was about survival, not death."
Valac's smirk returned. "That's not what your knights said, now."
One of the soldiers, a stocky man with a crooked nose, snorted. "If he survives the first night, I'll eat my sword."
Laughter rippled through the group, but Valac ignored them, keeping his gaze fixed on Cedric.
"I hear my team has been quite vocal about their thoughts," Valac said, his tone casual but sharp enough to make the soldiers stiffen. "I was under the impression you all would be protecting me. So, if I don't survive the first night. Neither of you will."
Valac's word made everyone except Cedric flinch. "They're concerned about the mission's... difficulty."
Valac chuckled softly, taking a step forward so he stood just a few feet away from Cedric. "And you, Commander? Are you concerned?"
There was a brief pause, and for a moment, the two men simply stared at each other. Finally, Cedric spoke, his voice calm and even. "My concern is for the success of the mission. Nothing more, nothing less."
Valac tilted his head, his smirk fading as his expression grew more serious. "Good. Because I don't plan on dying in that forest, and I don't plan on letting any of you die either. Not unless you're foolish enough to ignore my orders. I'm still the tactical head of the team."
The soldiers exchanged glances, clearly taken aback by Valac's confidence. He could feel the shift in the room, the subtle tension as they reassessed him.
"I'm not here to waste anyone's time," Valac continued, his tone growing colder. "If any of you have doubts about me, I suggest you voice them now. Otherwise, keep your mouths zipped. It's a felony to badmouth the ducal son. I am Valac Noctis. Not, Darina Noctis."
Silence. No one spoke.
Cedric's eyes flickered with something—approval, perhaps—but he remained silent, watching Valac with a neutral expression.
Valac took a step back, crossing his arms over his chest. "I don't care what you've heard about me or what you think you know. What matters is that we complete this mission. And if anyone here isn't up for the challenge, you're free to leave. However, I wonder what will the Duke think of the men he personally handpicked. Silver Legion. Or, are you just a bunch of gossipers?"
Still, no one spoke.
Valac's smirk returned, though this time it was colder, more calculating.
"Looks like none of you have objections. Then we leave tomorrow at first light. I suggest you all get some rest. You'll need it."
With that, he turned on his heel and strode toward the door, feeling the weight of their stares on his back. Just as he reached the exit, he paused, glancing over his shoulder at Cedric.
"Oh, and Commander," Valac said, his voice low and mocking. "I thought knights were supposed to make judgements based on what they observe, not rumors. I didn't know you were training a bunch of sissies."
He didn't wait for a response, stepping out of the room followed by Xavier who was charmed, letting the door swing shut behind him.
As Valac walked away, he could still hear the murmurs of the soldiers behind him, though now they were quieter, more subdued.
"Wow! His aura is more terrifying than the Duke."
That went better than expected
"Master Valac, I need to say something."