Lord Protector Novel

Apollyon stood aside.

However, Phoenix was in no rush to leave this time. Instead, she turned around.

“I need to speak with you regarding the spoils of war, Zeke. My people investigated the Platinumion headquarters and discovered many Spirit Stones valued at the cost of their entire base. Would you prefer the Spirit Stones or the Platinumion headquarters? As for their members, they're free to decide who they want to go with. We should stay out of that.”

“I'll have the Spirit Stones,” Zeke said.

“Fine. I will arrange for the Spirit Stones to be delivered to you,” Phoenix promised. “One more thing. Are you prepared to join the Southern Faction or the Northern Faction?”

Zeke was mystified. “What are the Southern and Northern Factions?”

“The forces of Theos Island, no matter Contubernium, Centuria, or Legion, are divided into two factions: the Southern Faction and the Northern Faction.

“The Southern Faction, per their namesake, serves Camp South, while the Northern Faction serves Camp North.

“Platinum and I, in addition to Calix, serve the Southern Faction. Though it was within the rules for you to wipe out Calix and Platinum, Southern Faction will not forgive you for that. I suggest taking the initiative to join us and stem the damage, and the Southern Faction will show you mercy in exchange.”

“What benefits would I derive from declaring my allegiance to the Southern Faction?”

“The Southern Faction can protect you by preventing other forces from killing you.”

“The Southern Faction sent Calix and Platinum, yet they died by my hand. Why didn't the Southern Faction show themselves to protect them?”

“It's complicated,” Phoenix answered. “Firstly, your killing of Calix and Platinum was within the rules, and the Southern Faction cannot fault you for that. Secondly, Calix and Platinum were confident of wiping you out, so they did not ask the Southern Faction for help. Without knowing they were about to perish, the Southern Faction had no way to protect them.”

“The Southern Faction would not protect us out of kindness. They must want something in return,” Zeke reasoned.

Obviously.

“Serve the Southern Faction, of course,” Phoenix said. “We are to search for Spirit Stones in the Centuria's district or to obtain them from spiritual water to offer to the Legatus. Aside from exchanging it for food, the Legatus will craft the Spirit Stone into weapons and offer it to Theos through the Camp Masters. The higher the craftsmanship of one's weapons, the more likely they will be granted entry into the center of Theos Island during the Worship Ceremony to worship Theos in close proximity. Otherwise, one would have to worship from the outermost perimeter.”