Absolute Beast Dominion - Chapter 367: Alliance?

Chapter 367: Alliance?

Chapter 367: Alliance?

“Tavian?” Kaelion also looked towards the sky after hearing Leo.

“Sylrael said someone with orange hair is coming on a flying ride.”

As he spoke, the skyrend eagle’s silhouette came into view in the distance, cutting across the pale sky. Sylrael had already instructed all the elves to stay on guard and prepare to attack.

Lily promptly unsummoned Pryde, and Leo unsummoned Shyra and Nyxa. As for the rest, he kept them—since they were already revealed to the public.

The 1-star elves were told to hide in a secret tunnel carved into the plateau, and Bigfoot was instructed to go inside his cave and rest while staying ready.

The last thing they expected was that Tavian had come to attack them.

Leo’s eyes narrowed as he observed the approaching eagle. Kaelion used magic to amplify his vision and clearly saw everyone on the eagle’s back.

“He is waving his hand… seems like he isn’t here to attack,” Kaelion said.

Hearing him, the others relaxed slightly.

“Who are the other people besides him?” Leo asked.

“I don’t know, looks like random people.”

Leo, Lily, and Kaelion descended from the plateau and then beckoned Tavian to land at the designated area. A decent-sized wooden house stood in the distance; Leo had it made, anticipating receiving guests.

The eagle landed with a heavy thud, and dust swirled outward in a dry gust. Tavian said something to the people behind him and descended alone, then began walking toward the group.

“Leo, Lily, Leon, good morning,” Tavian greeted, his expression as stern as ever. “I will be direct. I have come here to form an alliance between our territories.”

All three greeted him back one by one.

“How about we talk things out there?” Leo said, pointing toward the wooden house.

Tavian raised a brow and glanced around, taking in the neatly designed houses and well-built pathways. Narrow water channels glimmered faintly under the light.

“You must have hired some good people to make your territory this developed this quickly. Mine are still stuck building my residence,” Tavian remarked as they started walking toward the guesthouse.

“I didn’t know Leon had also joined your territory… this will make things a bit difficult for me,” Tavian added, noticing Kaelion’s presence.

“Difficult in what sense? Oh, and won’t they be coming?” Leo asked, hinting at the three people still seated on the eagle’s back. They hadn’t moved, as if strictly ordered not to.

“Let’s talk after we are seated comfortably. And they are my territory members—I brought them in case you’d attack me. No need to worry about them; I have strictly told them not to wander into your territory.”

“And?” Leo asked, his expression making it clear those three were nowhere near enough to pose any threat.

“I know, I know,” Tavian said with a faint sigh. “At least I will have the saving grace that I tried fighting back and wasn’t sent back to the temple unilaterally.”

Then Tavian looked around once more.

“Didn’t know you had such an advantageous location for your territory… there goes another point for negotiations…” he muttered under his breath.

Leo had a rough idea of what negotiations he meant, but it was better to first get seated comfortably.

They entered the house, which consisted of a single large hall. There were no rooms or fancy decorations—just sturdy tables, chairs, and windows all around, letting in soft daylight. Though the woods were carved intricately, and decorations made of naturally growing vines were present.

“Sorry, things are not done properly yet,” Leo said.

“No, this is quite good, considering we have limited funds and only 16 days have passed since the competition,” Tavian replied.

As they sat down, Miho arrived with a tray carrying magic fruits and glasses of water. The faint fragrance of the berries spread lightly through the room.

“This is too much. I am just here to talk, and I am also a fellow student like you,” Tavian said, watching Miho leave.

Leo had originally not wanted Miho to do this and instead assign the task to an elf, since Miho was their equal, being a student like. But revealing the elves was not an option yet, and he couldn’t refuse when Miho herself insisted.

“Even if you are a fellow student, you are still a guest in our territory. Basic hospitality is the least we can do,” Leo replied

.

“I’m saying you don’t need to trouble yourself like this.”

“It’s no trouble. Trust me.”

They exchanged a few light remarks while eating the berries, before shifting to the main topic.

“Alliance…” Leo muttered after hearing Tavian.

An alliance would have been useful if there had been any uncertainty about their chances on bounty day. But the thought of losing was nearly nonexistent in Leo and the others’ minds. Thus, there was no real inclination toward forming one.

Even Tavian himself had deliberated for a long time before approaching Leo’s territory. He knew Leo and Lily were together. Now, seeing Kaelion with them as well, it became even clearer that there was little need for an alliance—especially with such an advantageous location backing them.

An alliance meant supporting each other in difficult times, such as during territorial attacks. But in Leo’s case, he wouldn’t need external aid to defend himself. This alliance would be unilaterally beneficial for Tavian, as he would certainly require their support.

Tavian sighed softly. The moment he stepped here, he knew he would have to change the conditions. That thought solidified when he realized that aligning with Leo meant he wouldn’t have to rely on multiple uncertain alliances.

His original plan had been simple: approach Leo first. If successful, he would form 2 more alliances with other top 10 students, or 5 with the top 50. This was because Kaelion’s inclination was uncertain due to his territory not being present anywhere in the Academy’s markers.

If Leo refused, then he would form 4 alliances with the top 10 students or 15 with the top 50.

That was the value Leo’s territory held—especially with Lily being part of it.

He had kept the top 50 in mind because there was a high chance the top 10 would refuse. Most of them were battle maniacs and already had their own groups.

Ronan and Aaron were together.

Lyra and Dhalia were together.

Uraan’s territory was positioned high in the mountains—enough to make others hesitate before attacking. And Marco had already surpassed 100 members in his territory, his commoner status drawing in other commoners like him.

But now that he saw Kaelion was with them, just forming a single alliance was enough to deter almost the whole of the fresher’s faction.