After returning to the marketplace, the camp settled into an uneasy calm. Many were relieved to have survived, but no one felt secure about what lay ahead.
Grace’s group had eleven survivors from the Heartfall Stair, including Scarlet, Adam, Blanche, Albus, Dustin, and five Sovereign Aegis guards with strong resolve. On the Frost family’s side, Aveline also made it through, but three of their family members had been left behind on the stairs.
Other factions fared worse. The Quinton siblings passed without difficulty, but out of the dozen or so guards they brought, only three survived the climb.
The Jornell family lost most of their elite fighters as well, with only a mid-stage Core -Forged cultivator and two others making it through. The Moseys suffered heavy losses as well. Anders made it through, but only four of his men remained.
“Ascendant Pill…” Grace murmured. “So that’s what the Quinton family is really after.”
Dustin nodded. “For a reclusive family like the Quintons, ordinary treasures hold little value. But the pill is different. It can create an Ascension realm expert. Whoever obtains it will gain an overwhelming advantage in the next trial.”
“And what about us?” Scarlet asked. “Are we going to compete for it as well?”
He fell silent for a moment before answering, “Of course. But our objective doesn’t have to be the pill itself.”
Grace’s eyes sharpened as she caught on.” You mean…” “There is only one Ascension Pill, but the Bronze Sanctum holds more than that,” Dustin said.
“With our current strength, we don’t stand much of a chance against the Quintons and the Jornells. Even if we join forces with the Frost family, taking them head-on would still be a losing fight. But we can take a step back and aim for other treasures instead. At the same time…”
His gaze darkened slightly as he added, ” We observe the situation and watch how things unfold ”
Inside Anders’ tent, the atmosphere was just as heavy.
He sat alone, frowning as he stared at the memory crystal in front of him, which had just been delivered by one of Evander’s men. The message stored within it was simple. When the Bronze Sanctum opened, the Moseys were to fully cooperate with the Quintons in securing the Ascension Pill.
Once it was done, the Quintons would support Seamus’ rise to the throne. Anders looked at the memory crystal, his expression holding no hint of pleasure.
Fully cooperating meant they would be used as expendable forces, sent to wear down the Jornell family and the other factions. And afterward, the Quintons would claim they would honor their promise. Even if they did, that promise was made to Seamus. It had nothing to do with hím.
Anders thought back to how the Quinton siblings had treated him over the past few days. They summoned him at will, dismissed him just as easily, and treated him like a servant. In Evander’s eyes, he was nothing more than a useful dog.
“I’m done being used like this,” he muttered. All these years, he had risked his life for the Mosey family and done whatever Seamus demanded. But in the end, being adopted meant he would never measure up to a real son.
To the Quinton family, he was merely a pawn. He wasn’t going to spend his life paving the way for others. Anders’ thoughts drifted to Grace. She used people, too, but she didn’t treat them as disposable the way the Quintons did. The loyalty of those around her came from the way she treated them.
Then, there was Dustin. He looked like an ordinary man, yet he had survived that trial and even inspired others to follow him without hesitation. There had to be a reason. Anders knew it was Dustin’s sincerity and presence that made people trust him and stand with him.
“What if… What if I sided with Grace?”
This thought caught Anders off guard. He immediately shook his head, dismissing the idea. There was no connection between them, and no reason for her to trust him.
Still, he wasn’t without leverage. He had influence within the Mosey family, and he knew about the Quintons’ secrets. That might be enough to bargain with.
The real challenge was reaching her without alerting the Quinton family. After a long moment of contemplation, Anders finally came up with a plan.
The following evening, he made his way through the marketplace and passed by an elderly man’s pill stall as if by chance. He exchanged a few words with the man before leaving without drawing any attention.
Dustin received word that Anders wanted to meet him alone that night.
“Is it a trap?” Scarlet asked warily.
“Maybe,” he replied. “Or maybe he actually wants to talk.”
Grace frowned. “It’s too risky. Plus, your cultivation is sealed. What if he makes a move-”
“He won’t,” Dustin cut her off. “At least, not now. Besides, he chose the marketplace. No one’s going to start anything there with the Truce Ward in place.”
She wanted to persuade him, but he had already made up his mind. “I’ll meet him. Grace, bring a team and stay on the perimeter. If anything happens, move in immediately.”
Anders was already waiting in a secluded corner at the northwest marketplace late that night. A flicker of surprise passed through his eyes at the sight of Dustin coming alone, but his expression quickly returned to normal.
“You’ve got guts to come alone, Mr. Rhys,” he said quietly. Dustin stopped across from him and answered in an even tone, “You requested this meeting at a late hour, Mr. Mosey What is it about?”
Anders fell silent for a moment before lowering himself to one knee.
“I’m willing to bring what remains of my house and place it under Princess Grace’s command,” he said. Dustin didn’t look surprised. He just looked at him and asked, “Why?”
