The Innkeeper - Chapter 1700: Sage Races I

Chapter 1700: Sage Races I

Jack took a huge risk, not that he showed it on his face. Through Lex’s vast exposure and experiences, he had learned random tidbits about the universe and its many organizations. In some areas, he might know secrets not known to most, while in others he might lack common sense that a member of a traditional universal organization might have.

He had learned tidbits about the Humanoid Alliance, as well as the Celestial Court – not to mention the little secrets a certain monkey guest shared with Lex. He heard of conspiracies, and got a sense for how deep and long lasting they were, as well as how important it was for all organizations to keep face.

To list all the random stuff Lex knew would take forever. What mattered was that Jack used those bits of information to make a wild guess, and take a risk. He had no idea if, as the strongest fairy, he qualified to become the leader of the fairy race. He didn’t even know if most races had leaders.

What he did know, however, was that the Celestials were the leaders of the Humanoid Alliance – more or less – and that they were pretty powerful, and that the Celestial Court was the tool through which they exercised their power.

Based on the immediate reaction of his statement, Jack felt pretty safe saying that at least his claim of demanding an answer within the court was, at least, heard if not accepted.

Standing in the middle of… well no, flying in the air above the centre of the stadium, while surrounded by members of the Humanoid Alliance, Jack could feel the rising tension in the air.

There was also the matter of the Primal. The Primal had appeared at the very end, not that Jack or anyone else could see the Primal’s appearance. He was garbed in a black shawl that covered every facet of his features, so nothing of his body, including even the outline of his body, were visible. Despite that, his very presence spread the knowledge that he was a Primal – the leading race from the Primary realm. His very presence added an additional weight to the situation.

Pin drop silence filled the entire stadium as everyone waited for something to happen. Jack wondered if he was supposed to say something, like fulfill a tradition or something for summoning the alliance. As it turned out, it wasn’t needed, for the Primal spoke first.

“This is an unexpected and tense situation, but if all parties involved agree to trust me and my judgment, I believe I can resolve it without escalating it further. The welcome of a new Major realm and power should not be marred by an… unfortunate accident. What do you all say?”

The member of the Artica race, who was both furious and confused, did not immediately answer, and instead waited for instructions from a higher level. The steed did not dare do anything – it was clear that the situation had far surpassed its level and authority.

Jack was considering how to respond when the Celestial flew over to Jack, and observed him critically.

“You said your name is Jack?” she asked, her voice as sweet as honey and as fresh as vanilla.

“Yes,” Jack answered.

“Any relation to Jack the Hell slayer?” she continued to ask.

“Never heard of him,” Jack answered truthfully.

The Celestial nodded, almost seeming both disappointed as well as relieved.

“Would you trust me to make a judgment on your behalf of the current situation? I believe I am better equipped to determine the appropriate response and steps in the given political climate.”

Jack did not immediately answer. Instead, he addressed his own concerns first.

“That depends. What kind of judgment will you make? Is your priority to make this situation go away, or to redress my grievances? I’ve had this little fella with me since he hatched, and I’ve never let him suffer like this, yet not only did some freak try to enslave him, he turned him into a show for the whole realm to watch.”

The Celestial raised an eyebrow out of curiosity.

“Jack I hope you realize that you have not actually been confirmed as the leader of the fairies. Your actions of calling upon the collective power of the Humanoid Alliance is not only not warranted, it has repercussions far greater than you realize. Even Dao Lords do not casually invoke the power of the whole alliance. Heck, even in many wars, the whole alliance is not invoked. If this weren’t an especially sensitive time, your summons would not have even been acknowledged.”

What the Celestial did not mention was that the whole Humanoid Alliance was up and active trying to figure out who Jack the Hell Slayer was, and what his connection to the fairies was. For a fairy named Jack to then summon upon the powers of the alliance merely a short while after was much too coincidental for them to ignore.

Also, the problem was, Jack really did qualify as a potential leader of the fairy race – given the situation of the race. But for him to assume such a position would require a lot of ceremony not to mention various restrictions. It is not the kind of thing one can simply claim as they wish.

“If the Celestial Court is not interested in upholding justice for me, then I can pursue other means,” said Jack firmly. In truth, his other options were severely limited, and an even greater risk, because that included pleading to the seven Dragon Dao Lords he had brought to the Artica realm, and hoping they would care about him.

“No, not just the Celestial Court, but the whole Humanoid Alliance will ensure you get justice,” the Celestial said. “I just wanted you to realize what that means, and what that costs. That is also why I want to be the one to represent you – for I know just how far to take things.”

Well, that was kinda fair. Jack was blatantly using them.

“Fine, you can represent me. But I need you to understand – they hurt my alligator. He is a child, and they beat and tried to enslave him. I heard that the Artica race makes a big deal about protecting the children of their own realm, but they had no problem kidnapping the child I’m watching over. I want justice, but if I can get revenge, that’ll be even better.”

The Celestial girl nodded.

“Do not worry. The Humanoid Alliance is not one that can easily be taken advantage of. Leave everything to me. By the way, my name is Oroo.”

Just as Jack and Oroo were about finishing up their conversation, Grimshaw exited his private booth.

“I, for one, completely trust the Primals to sort this misunderstanding out,” he began to say. Before he could continue, Oroo teleported in front of the Pirmal.

“The Humanoid Alliance had doubts about your intentions, Primal. The Sage races are not exactly a trustworthy bunch.”