They continued their banter until the Brimstone Spear lot came up. Thankfully, they didn’t have to fight too hard for it; as soon as the other participants realized the Rysers weren’t bidding for fun, they quickly relented.

  Alistair watched as the spear materialized in their booth, delivered through what appeared to be sophisticated space magic. Teleportation and space-related magic were heavily restricted on Citar. Still, the auction house's enchantments seemed superimposed—clearly exempt from the magic fields designed to deter all but the most proficient and determined individuals.

  Riseth picked up the spear, turning it over in her hands as she inspected it. Alistair watched, a trace of hesitation lingering in his posture. The weapon looked as if it would burn on contact, its shaft and tip forged from blackened rock streaked with molten veins.

  “It’s pretty warm to the touch,” Riseth remarked, her tone neutral. “But the affinity, while not unsuitable, isn’t my preferred choice. Simon, though? He’s going to love it.”

  She handed the spear to Alistair for storage, and as his fingers closed around it, he noted the warmth Riseth had mentioned. It was subtle but uncomfortable, the sensation clashing with his own affinities, which clearly didn’t align with the weapon’s nature.

  “Are there any more lots you’re interested in?” Nomura asked, her tone casual as her gaze shifted between them.

  Alistair shook his head. “Not really,” he replied, his focus settling on her. “You did want to talk about something.”

  “Yes,” Nomura said with a nod. “It’s about our planned raids. We need to discuss how bounties and loot will be split, as well as some potential targets.”

  Alistair gestured for her to continue as they turned their attention to her.

  “We have received intel on more shipyards, smuggling dens, and hideouts,” Nomura began, her tone measured. “With your aid, we could take on some of the more dangerous targets without worrying about our young warriors dying in droves. We propose splitting any profits and bounties in half, while distributing the recovered treasures equally based on our clans’ needs.” She hesitated briefly before adding, “Would that be acceptable?”

  Alistair was more than comfortable with an even split, but he couldn’t ignore the reality that the Beshin were shouldering the burden of acquiring most of the intel. Their scouts, connections, and investments in information-buying were the foundation of their efforts, while his group was, admittedly, just tagging along. He exchanged a glance with Riseth, who gave him an encouraging nod.

  “While that sounds great,” Alistair began, his tone thoughtful, “I can’t help but note that you’re doing the heavy lifting when it comes to gathering information. We’d be fine taking a slightly smaller cut to compensate for that.”

  Kujo grinned, pointing at them. “That’s why we like you—true warriors and friends,” he said, his tone blunt but warm. “We’ll share the bounty equally.” It was far less measured than his wife’s approach, but there was no mistaking the sincerity behind his words.

  Alistair caught the disapproving look Nomura shot her husband, though it softened with a touch of warmth as she shook her head. Turning back to them, she addressed the group.

  “Well, you heard him. What do you think? Do we have an agreement?” Nomura asked.

  “We do,” Riseth declared, a smile spreading across her face.

  “Excellent,” Kujo said with a grin. “Speaking of strengthening bonds, we’ve completed our gate construction, and the entanglement has been a success from what we can tell. How long until your gate is finished?”

  Alistair hesitated. Their gate was nearly complete, but questions about Nautilis and its people lingered in his mind. He glanced at Denodia, who met his look with a slow nod. He noticed the slight tension in her posture before she seemed to relax, a small, composed smile forming on her face.

  “I have been rather secretive regarding my role in the Ryser Clan,” Denodia began carefully, but Nomura interrupted her with a raised hand.

  “You don’t need to share everything with us yet,” Nomura said firmly. “Our bonds will grow strong with time. We, too, have secrets and matters we don’t plan to reveal just yet.” Her gaze softened slightly. “I presume you are in charge of intelligence. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of exchanges in the future, but don’t feel pressured to overshare.”

  Denodia inclined her head politely. “I am not in charge of intelligence. This is a matter that requires the Beshin clan’s secrecy, as it will be difficult to keep hidden for much longer.”

  Nomura’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she allowed Denodia to continue.

  “I am Denodia Naurei, leader of my people. We were seeded during the initiation and found sanctuary under the Ryser Clan.”

  Kujo looked at her with mild confusion. “Seeded worlds, while rare, aren’t that big of a deal, I—” He paused as Nomura placed a hand on his shoulder.

  “You are a mermaid,” Nomura said calmly, “and so are your people.”

  Denodia nodded. Nomura’s expression turned thoughtful, while her husband still looked perplexed.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “Her species is often hunted by alchemists and those seeking immortality,” Nomura explained, her tone measured. “Their flesh and blood are critical ingredients in such crafts. I’ve also read of the supposed benefits mermaid blood can have when used in magical tattoos.”

  Understanding dawned on Kujo, his expression growing grim. “Disgusting practices,” he muttered. “I could understand blood donations, but killing and butchering sapients for such purposes? That is dark magic I will not tolerate.”

  Denodia bowed deeply. “We request that your bloodline enter a pact to keep our secret, so we may remain hidden for as long as possible.”

  “Done,” Kujo proclaimed, his voice firm. Beside him, Nomura nodded in agreement. “We will agree to this pact. None of our clan shall utter a word to an outsider.”

  Visible relief washed over Denodia’s face. “I thank you both,” she said sincerely, inclining her head.

  Kujo, however, waved her off with a casual flick of his hand. “Spring water, soaking the roots—think nothing of it,” he replied, his tone light but genuine.

  “Since we are on the topic of sensitive subjects,” Riseth began, her tone measured, “is there anything you would require from us?”

  Kujo and Nomura exchanged glances, likely communicating through a skill. Alistair observed as Kujo gave a small shrug before turning back to them.

  “For the time being, there’s just one matter that would be hard to hide,” Kujo began. “We have a World Tree on our world and would like to keep that secret, but I don’t believe it requires an oath. It’s difficult to conceal, as anyone in orbit would be able to see it.”

  Alistair let out an appreciative whistle. While they had encountered some megafauna, including enormous trees, they had yet to find a World Tree—one of the treasures they had hoped to discover during their explorations.

  With some of the more sensitive topics out of the way, the group moved on to discuss potential targets, the establishment of trade, and the rules to follow once the gates connecting their worlds were completed. Team compositions came up as well, with Kujo being quite keen for Simon to join their excursions.

  Alistair was aware of the Oni’s intentions, but it didn’t bother him. He had intended to bring Simon regardless. Participating in occasional raids was a necessary step for Simon to grow and expand his experience beyond their dungeons and realm.

  “How did you come to find that World Tree?” Denodia asked. “Was it by chance? They are rather rare.”

  “Not a whole lot rarer than finding a seeded species within a nebula,” Kujo said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I spent a lot of my Trial Rewards on a tool to locate an ideal world. It was a one-use item at six million points, so I doubt many others picked one up.”

  “We’re also fairly certain Nivareth was found with the help of such a tool,” Nomura noted, her expression thoughtful. “It’s unlikely anyone would have discovered it so far underground on a remote and uninhabited world otherwise, at least not this early.”

  “They likely killed whoever originally acquired that tracking item and claimed the realm for themselves,” Kujo said, his tone grim.

  “Makes sense,” Alistair replied, a slight frown on his face. “The factions aligned with the Syndicates are rather cutthroat.”

  Beneath them, the auction concluded with the final item—a crystalline sword—selling for 2 million USC. The next auction was set to begin in a few hours, and from what Alistair could tell, none of the upcoming items required in-person participation.

  Alistair watched as mercenaries and bounty hunters streamed out of the auction hall, their expressions a mix of emotions—some leaving with satisfied grins, while others wore looks of disappointment.

  “We still have a lot of the day left. Why don’t we check out that ringworld?” Riseth suggested, her tone carrying a spark of excitement. “I know you’re about to level up and get your next skill selection.”

  Alistair returned her smile, then glanced at Kujo and Nomura. “What do you say? Care to join us?”

  “I’d love to,” Kujo said with a wide, toothy grin. Turning to his wife, he added, “We’re going to be stuck bidding and discussing a lot. This might be the last chance to let loose.”

  Nomura snickered. “You let loose yesterday before we even got here,” she said with a shake of her head. “But it is a valuable opportunity to improve our coordination.”

  They made their way through the city on their hovercrafts. According to Nomura, the capital had multiple gates that connected directly to the ringworld. However, as far as she knew, most of the gates were kept inactive, deemed too dangerous for most combat teams to tackle.

  The ringworld, apparently, grew progressively worse from one point of the ring, peaking in difficulty at the opposite end. The Tok’eall had not even managed to explore a quarter of its circumference in either direction before being driven back by the relentless cyber beasts.

  The thought made Alistair wonder just how powerful the beasts on the far side of the ring might become. The idea excited him—especially since the System had clearly meddled with the Tok’eall’s ringworld. He wondered how far he could push himself there. Still, the sheer scale of the ringworld was daunting; without the aid of ships or teleportation, simply traversing it physically could take him months.

  When they came to a halt above a large plaza, Alistair observed a small crowd already lined up toward one of the three active gates. All three gates were guarded, but none of those waiting seemed inclined to approach the gates flanking the middle one.

  The gates were arranged in a perfect circle, with all but the three active ones remaining inert. Alistair could sense magical wards and concealed turrets surrounding the plaza, their presence subtle but unmistakable.

  “Those are the three gates they’ve managed to reclaim,” Nomura said. “The center one leads to a large city on the ringworld. The gates flanking it connect to outposts held by the Tok’eall and the Coalition’s fighters.”

  “So, do we take the left or right gate?” Alistair questioned Denodia through the Akashic Link.

  Denodia’s body tensed, and Alistair could almost feel the strain radiating from her. “The right gate seems more promising,” she replied, her voice tight.

  He noticed her wincing and rubbing the side of her head, almost as if nursing a headache.

  “Let’s take the gate to the right,” Alistair announced confidently. “I’ve got a good feeling about that one.”

  “Either works for us,” Kujo added with a shrug.

  Their hovercrafts descended toward the right gate, coming to a smooth stop before the group disembarked. As they approached, one of the posted guards stepped forward, his wary gaze taking in the group.

  “Greetings to your clans,” the guard said, bowing slightly.

  Kujo stepped forward, his tone polite but firm. “Greetings. We’d like to use the right gate,” he announced, gesturing toward it. “Would you be so kind as to let us through?”

  The Tok’eall guard hesitated, shifting his weight slightly as his gaze flickered toward the gate. Alistair could feel the tension in him—a mix of unease and careful consideration. While Kujo’s towering frame and confident air didn’t seem intentionally intimidating, it clearly added to the guard’s discomfort.

  After a moment, the guard cleared his throat, his voice steady despite the obvious strain. “There are dangers on the other side,” he said carefully. “Before I allow you to proceed, I need to inform you of the risks involved.”