Building My SSS-Rank Universal Empire: From Trash to Cosmic Overlord Chapter 18: Real deal?

Taiwo ca eventually, but I was already back in my tunnel, digging away at the wall with the strength of ten n. I had so much starsalt around that I had to pick my way around large piles as I made my way out when I was called.

Taiwo’s lips were pressed together when she saw . She was accompanied by Tiber, Slya, and Eron, all of whom vibrated with excitent, except for Taiwo, who narrowed her eyes at .

Tiber grunted. "Well? What do you think? I wasn’t there, but Slya said she could have sworn that he disappeared and reappeared."

Eron snorted. "It’s just his speed! Haven’t you seen Knights fight before?"

"Hush!" Taiwo said and focused her eyes on .

I felt her essence-sensing wash over weakly as she tried to determine if I was a Squire or not. I sighed. I couldn’t undo what had happened, but I could control what happened next. "Yes, I’m a Squire."

"A Squire!" Slya exclaid.

Although she and the others had been expecting sothing like this, they were still incredibly shocked. Right here in the Borderlands or anywhere else, really Squires were more powerful than normal humans. They were far more common than other ranks of Knights, so people were used to seeing their powers more often, to the point that they both feared and respected them in equal asure.

Tiber grinned. "Well, that’s surprising. To think a Squire would agree to co to the labor camp, and to this wing!"

Taiwo scowled. "That’s right. Unless he’s a very weak Squire, I can’t even feel his aura. But why did you pretend you weren’t a Squire when we t? Wait... why couldn’t I sense you then?"

I shrugged. "I’ve had no access to essence for the past three years, so I have none in my core for you to sense."

Taiwo shook her head. "I’ve never heard of not having access to essence, unless you were in... a special prison?"

I shrugged again. Now that I thought about it, I should have found it strange that my core was drained of essence and hadn’t refilled even once in all those years. The prison was ant for holding Knights, after all, so it’s that surprising.

Slya shook her head, looking at in a new light. Envy shone in her eyes, and she didn’t try to hide it. "I can’t believe you’re a Knight."

"A Squire."

"That’s just a rank. Once you activate your core and get your mark, you’re a Knight."

"People believe it’s when you’ve aspected your essence," I said with a small smile.

Taiwo sighed. "That might not even happen for a lot of Squires," she waved dismissively. "But leave all that. Vale, you just killed soone."

She paused. I paused, then raised my brows. "You can’t tell I’ll get in trouble for that, not for killing Trion. He’s useless and not important enough."

Taiwo took a deep breath. "Well, you’re right. But what do you want to do now? I’ll write this off as the favor I owed you."

I stared at her and pointed out. "Clearing up the ss I made isn’t enough for what you owe ."

Taiwo nodded. "True, but it’s taken a big chunk out of it. We’ll talk later. And don’t forget, you’re still part of my wing."

She left then, dragging Trion’s body with her and leaving a trail of blood behind.

Slya’s eyes glinted. "I have a mind to drag you sowhere and make you tell how you beca a Squire. It’s sothing I’ve always dread of."

"Have you tried the manifestation?" I asked.

Tiber grunted. "I’ve tried it before and wasn’t lucky. Not destined to be a Knight."

I nodded slowly. "Unfortunately, that’s the only way to gain power in the Eternal Skies. I’ve heard of a continent beyond the Divide that has so kind of sword power."

Slya and Tiber shared a look, seeming to communicate silently. Tiber took a deep breath. "We don’t know you well, Vale, but to be honest, now that you’re a Knight, things have changed. How about this: let’s make a deal. We’ll provide you with full information on all the workings of the camp."

I wasn’t new to this. "And in exchange?"

They shared another look before Tiber spoke. "In exchange, don’t forget us if there’s a chance for you to elevate yourself. Don’t leave us behind."

I smiled, my green eyes gleaming. "You want to be my subordinates but only if I’m going to rise in rank? Alright, that’s fair. But make sure the information you provide is useful."

What a crafty deal! They didn’t know if I’d beco powerful or remain a weak Squire, so they settled on what might benefit them. I didn’t mind, though.

They agreed and followed into my tunnel.

I leaned against the wall. "So, what do you have for ? It should be worth it."

Tiber nodded. "Trion belongs to a gang with so influence in the labor camp. That’s why the overseer ignored what he did, but that guy was really a small fry."

"So, who’s the real deal?" I asked.

"Kade. A wing-one worker... he doesn’t really work, but, well, he’s the leader of the gang. I’m sure you’ve gained his attention now, even though he won’t care about Trion."

"But he’ll pretend anyway," I added, familiar with situations like this.

They nodded, and Slya shot a look. "You should watch out. The guy’s trouble, and even team leaders avoid him. But then again, it’s just teams for this layer."

That jolted . I had a lot of questions to ask, especially about Kade, but first: "What’s the first layer you guys keep talking about, and how does it relate to teams?"

Tiber frowned. "This is going to take ti, and we still have to break starsalt for our carts."

I smiled. I could still feel strength thrumming through . In fact, I could feel my core more clearly. I raised my pickaxe and slamd it into the wall.

Bam! Crack!

Dust, rock, and starsalt rained down. "Just keep talking. I’ll be your worker for today."