NOVPUB
Chapter 364: 364
Nwadimma clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. She had no desire to wrest power from her brother; such ambitions had never been hers. But his descent into fear-driven irrationality left her with no alternative. If the kingdom was to endure, it needed a leader who valued the lives of its people above personal glory. She would not oppose him outright—not yet. Instead, she would tread a cautious path, quietly building her influence and steering the court toward a more prudent course of action..
Zephyr who has left the human kingdom was now in the sky with his hand to his ear where a small magic circle can be seen, he was in contact with Terra.
"So, brother, have you found those responsible?" Terra’s tone was unexpected—calm, almost gentle, devoid of the anger Zephyr had anticipated.
The unexpected softness in Terra’s voice gave Zephyr pause. He had considered lying, spinning a story to mask the truth, but the genuine curiosity in his brother’s tone changed his mind. "The priest and his army, whom your daughter vanquished, were the true culprits. Nwadiebube’s only involvement is that he possesses the branch—though I am certain it is now in his hands."
There was a moment of silence before Terra’s voice broke through again, measured and direct. "Did you retrieve the branch?"
Zephyr exhaled heavily, glancing down at the kingdom far below. "No."
"Why not?" Terra’s question was devoid of accusation, but it carried the weight of expectation.
Sitting cross-legged in the air, Zephyr ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "The boy is a fool, brother. A frightened fool. His demeanor during our meeting reeked of desperation and impatience. It was clear he was chasing something, though I never gave him the chance to broach the subject."
He paused, his gaze distant. "I suspect the branch is integral to whatever scheme he’s concocting. I admit, I’m mildly curious to see what he hopes to accomplish with it. However, I did manage to secure an advantage—either Nwadiebube or his sister will act as informants for us against Björn’s people."
There was a long silence on the other end before Zephyr finally asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "Did I fail you, brother?"
Terra’s response did not come immediately, leaving Zephyr to sit with the weight of his question. After a pause that seemed to stretch endlessly, Terra’s voice finally broke the silence. It was calm and measured, but heavy with thought.
"You did not fail me, Zephyr," Terra began. "You exercised caution, and that is something I value more than blind ambition. Retrieving the branch is important, but it is not the only matter at hand. What troubles me more is the recklessness you described in this boy, Nwadiebube. A frightened man with power is dangerous, not just to himself but to everyone around him."
Zephyr leaned back slightly, the tension easing from his shoulders as he listened to his brother’s measured words.
"Still," Terra continued, "your choice to leave the branch in his hands for now is... acceptable. I trust your curiosity, Zephyr, but do not let it blind you. If his intentions threaten or endanger the balance we seek, I expect you to intervene—decisively."
There was a brief pause, the magical connection buzzing faintly with residual energy, before Terra’s tone softened. "You have always sought my approval, brother, and I will tell you this: I value your judgment as a brother and one chosen by father. Do not doubt yourself. However, I must caution you to tread carefully. Nwadiebube may seem desperate, but desperation often breeds unpredictability. And as for his sister... watch her closely. Sometimes the quiet ones are the most dangerous."
Zephyr smirked faintly at that. "You think she’ll prove more formidable than her brother?"
"I think she’s already proving it," Terra replied. "A woman who stands in the shadow of her brother’s ambition yet moves with deliberate purpose... such individuals have the potential to reshape kingdoms."
Zephyr’s expression grew thoughtful. "So, I continue to observe them both. Should I press them further, or let them make the next move?"
"Let them move," Terra answered. "But keep your presence felt, as a reminder. Sometimes a shadow is more powerful than a strike. If they falter, you will be there to correct the course."
Terra began laughing all of a sudden catching Zephyr off guard. Zephyr blinked, startled by the sudden laughter from his usually composed brother. Terra’s mirth was an unexpected shift, and it caught him off guard.
"In our anger and your stress, brother," Terra chuckled, his voice light with amusement, "we forget that death isn’t the end for our people—not with Grandfather watching over us. His influence ensures that our legacy continues, one way or another."
Zephyr frowned, trying to parse the sudden change in tone. "You’re saying we shouldn’t worry about losses because of Grandfather’s... unique involvement?"
Terra’s laughter softened, his voice taking on a more reflective quality. "It’s not just that, Zephyr. I’ve heard from my daughter—her battle with the people of Björn was everything she could have hoped for. Fulfilling, even. She said they fought with honor, and when it was done, she was rewarded handsomely by Björn himself."
Zephyr’s frown deepened, his curiosity piqued. "Rewarded by Björn? That doesn’t sound like the actions of a mad god."
"Exactly," Terra said, his tone turning thoughtful. "Perhaps we’ve painted Björn and his people with too broad a stroke. It seems they value strength and resolve, even in their enemies. My daughter doesn’t speak lightly of those she respects. For her to say that of Björn means there’s more to them than we assumed."
"My other concern now is you brother, I believe you must have come to an agreement with Wulv about him informing you on the people of Björn, why involve the humans now. Don’t you trust your fellow godling?" Terra asked.
To Terra’s question, Zephyr replied with a chuckle and a question of his own "How long do you think we can be called fellow godlings?"
"Huh?" Terra said in confusion.
"I have been thinking on a lot brother since father made it clear that i am going to take over his position, this competition we just had made me realize we soon will be on our own"
"The other demigods like our father have a special connection we don’t share with the other godlings. With their ascension close, we soon will be on our own and i am sure other godlings realize that too"
Terra fell silent for a moment, letting Zephyr’s words sink in. The weight of what his brother was implying wasn’t lost on him. The gods they had always looked up to, their parents, were nearing their ascension to higher planes of existence. That would leave the next generation—those like him and Zephyr—alone to contend with a world full of competing agendas, unresolved conflicts, and fragile alliances.
"You’re saying we’re entering a new age," Terra finally said, his tone subdued but contemplative. "One where the bonds we have now may not hold the same weight."
Zephyr nodded, his expression unreadable. "Exactly. Right now, we share a loose camaraderie with the other godlings because of our shared lineage and the presence of our parents. But once they ascend, the foundation of that camaraderie will begin to crack. Wulv, for example, might be trustworthy now because of his connection with our sister, but what happens when his people start looking to him to secure their future? He’ll have to make hard choices, just like us."
Terra hummed in thought. "And you think involving the humans gives you an extra layer of security? A failsafe in case the godlings... change?"
"Not just security, brother," Zephyr replied, his tone sharp and deliberate. "Leverage. Humanity may be fragile compared to us, but their numbers, ingenuity, and tenacity make them invaluable allies—or dangerous adversaries. If I can foster loyalty among them, it’s a card I can play when the inevitable fractures among us begin to show. It’s not about distrusting Wulv. It’s about being prepared for the reality of leadership."
Terra sighed, though there was no frustration in it—just understanding. "You’ve always thought several steps ahead, haven’t you? I can see why Father chose you to take his place."
Zephyr chuckled, though the sound lacked humor. "Thinking ahead is a necessity, Terra. I envy your position, you know. You get to focus on being a warrior, leading your people and guarding the garden. My path is... heavier. Strategy, politics, alliances—it’s exhausting."
"And yet you wear it well," Terra said with a smirk. "But don’t think you can do it all alone. Even leaders need support, Zephyr."
"I know," Zephyr admitted, his voice quieter. "That’s why I’m building connections where I can—among the godlings, the humans, even the people of Björn. If I can weave a web strong enough, maybe... just maybe, we still will be at the top for whatever is coming."
The brothers shared a moment of silence, their connection humming faintly in the background. Finally, Terra spoke again, his tone lighter but still laced with meaning.
