"You are right, by the way; I am Apollo." He started to introduce himself, as this Zack should have a story.
"Apollo, I am Zack... Zack Evans." He also introduced himself, although he hesitates to say his last na, but Apollo ntions that instead, he asked because he wanted to know.
"Zack, do you know how sobody can participate in Ten Clan’s assembly if they aren’t from any clan or force?" He asked.
Zack seed to relax a little more after Apollo properly introduced himself. Perhaps it was the calm, confident way Apollo carried himself, or maybe it was just the alcohol loosening his tongue, but Zack started to open up a bit more.
"Well, for soone like you who isn’t tied to any clan or force, it’s tricky, but not impossible," Zack began, his tone becoming more serious. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing so guarded knowledge.
"You see, independents or rogue warriors can enter the participants only if they join a clan or beco a guest elder of so force. Otherwise, they can’t participate in the Assembly," Zack said with a hint of intrigue in his voice.
He could tell that Apollo was interested in the information, and he couldn’t help but suspect that Apollo might be one of those rogue warriors trying to find a way into the Ten Clan Assembly.
Apollo’s eyes narrowed slightly as he processed Zack’s information. "So, you’re saying the only way in is to be tied to a clan or a force, either as a mber or a guest elder?" he asked, his tone sharp but thoughtful.
Zack nodded, leaning back in his chair. "That’s right. The assembly is for the strongest, and no clan wants to take chances on just anyone. They want their fighters, who’ll not only win a large share of resources but will also bring glory to their na."
He paused, his voice lowering slightly as he leaned forward again. "So, for clans or forces that lack enough talented warriors, they’ll go to great lengths to find extraordinary fighters. After all, the Ten Clan Assembly will determine their standing and prosperity for the next century."
"Brother Apollo, could it be you want to join the Ten Clan Assembly as a guest elder of so clan or force?" Zack, after saying all, finally asked him.
He can see that he is interested in that, and his strength doesn’t seem to be weak. Although his strength has fallen to the third rank, he still possesses the eye of a saint and can feel the unique and mysterious aura around him.
"Yes, Brother Zack, I want to join. Do you happen to know which force is still accepting guest representatives?" Apollo asked with impeccable acting, wearing a stressed-out expression as if he were desperate.
Zack raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Hmm, well, most clans would have already finalized their representatives by now... but, if you’re lucky, there might still be a few looking for strong warriors. I’ve heard a couple of smaller clans are still open, but they’re pretty selective."
He leaned in with a grin, "If you’re as strong as you seem, you might have a shot."
Apollo feigned a slight relief as if Zack’s words had given him a glimr of hope. He leaned forward, keeping his expression earnest. "Brother Zack, I’ll take whatever chance I can get. This assembly is too important to miss. Do you know which of these smaller clans is still open to recruiting?"
Zack scratched his chin thoughtfully, clearly enjoying his role as the knowledgeable guide. "Well, there are a few, but they’re not the most prestigious. For example, the Rose Clan—they’re relatively small, but they’ve been known to take in talented outsiders."
"They value talent, as it seems there isn’t anyone that is particularly outstanding in this generation, and if you show them what you can do, they might be willing to cut a deal."
He paused, taking a swig from his drink before continuing. "There’s also the Blackhorn Tribe. They’re more... wild. They respect power above all else, but they’re not the kind of tribe you’d want to get tangled with long-term unless you can handle their rough way of life. Their champion was killed in a fight recently, so they’re desperate for a replacent."
Apollo considered the options, pretending to be deep in thought. In reality, both sounded like a good fit to him. Both of the clans needed a talent, and he should be able to join the Ten Clan assembly.
"Thank you, Brother Zack," Apollo said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I owe you for this information. I’ll go and see if one of these clans is willing to take in."
Zack waved a hand dismissively but smiled, clearly enjoying the praise. "Just make sure you know what you’re getting into, Apollo. These clans may offer a chance, but nothing cos for free and might try to trick you."
But before leaving, he took out a red potion, which, although within the closed bottle, still emitted a mysterious aura that seed to soothe body and mind.
"Take it, and your injuries will be healed within an hour." He said as he quickly gave the potion to Zack’s hands, who was still confused.
Before Zack could utter another word, Apollo vanished, tearing through space effortlessly. The sight left Zack utterly shocked, frozen in disbelief. Only half-gods could tear space so casually, and here was a supposed rogue warrior doing it with ease. His mind raced—’ Could I have just t a real big shot?’ But why would soone of such calibre ask about joining the Ten Clan Assembly, an event restricted to those under a hundred years old?
’Could he actually be less than a hundred?’ The thought seed impossible. Even the greatest geniuses of the Ten Clans hadn’t reached such levels of power, so how could a rogue warrior have achieved it?
Zack’s eyes drifted to the potion Apollo had given him. ’Could this really heal my injuries?’ His earlier drunkenness evaporated in an instant, replaced by a sense of cautious hope. "I’ve already hit rock bottom. What do I have to lose?" He hurried out of the tavern, determined to test the potion in the privacy of his place.
anwhile, far from the tavern, Apollo reappeared in a distant location, his expression calm. He had no doubts about the potion he’d given Zack. After all, it had cost him 500 Creation points from the system, and the system had never disappointed him before. It was as good as a guarantee.
As Apollo reappeared in a more secluded area, his mind shifted away from Zack, the tavern, and the potion he had casually handed over. His real focus was now on the Ten Clan Assembly.
The gravity of the competition was starting to sink in. Clans that had ruled this land for centuries would be fighting tooth and nail to secure their place, and here he was, a rogue force, aiming to disrupt it all. ’It won’t be easy,’ Apollo mused, ’but nothing worthwhile ever is.’
As he walked forward, using his spiritual sense to avoid unnecessary attention, he began evaluating his next moves. He had gathered just enough information to know that his power alone could give him an edge, but he needed a plan. Should he try to infiltrate one of the smaller clans for legitimacy or simply make a bold entrance as an independent? Either option carried risks.
Before heading to the two clans, Apollo needed to assess their strength, and with that thought, he decided to visit the Rose Clan first. They had a better reputation, which made them a more appealing option.
After gathering so information, Apollo quickly located where the Rose Clan’s mbers were staying. Without drawing attention to himself, he quietly made his way to their inn.
As Apollo neared the Rose Clan’s place, he sensed a multitude of auras, so strong but most relatively subdued. From the information he had gathered, the Rose Clan had a better reputation, not necessarily due to their ability to grow many natural resources but because of their balance in both power and politics.
They were known for cultivating capable warriors, many of whom specialized in the control of life energy and delicate yet deadly combat techniques.
The inn was guarded by warriors wearing light, enchanted armour. Their weapons glowed faintly, proof that they were imbued with magical properties. Apollo observed them from the shadows, using his spiritual sense to scan their ranks, estimating the general strength of the clan’s fighters.
Several of the Rose Clan’s mbers were at the third rank, with a handful at the fourth rank. However, he could sense a stronger presence in so of the rooms in the centre of the camp—the aura that suggested, surpassing the fourth rank and even reaching the fifth rank. There was also an individual aura that was likely one of the Rose Clan’s leaders or even a clan’s great elder who seed to have reached the half-god realm.
Apollo’s eyes flickered with interest. The Rose Clan had depth in its ranks, though now with his strength he doesn’t need to be afraid, but still, it is a small clan. And he couldn’t help but think about the strongest of the ten strongest clans.
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