Chapter 39: Is a Dead Man Worth Your Loyalty? |
...
Upon hearing Kodaga Joson's words, Jonas couldn't help but laugh: "Me, become your retainer? I think not. In fact, I believe Tars City merging into Thunderkeep would be the best option."
Kodaga Joson: "What did you say?"
The other territorial lords also stared at Jonas in astonishment.
Jonas tapped the table and said: "My meaning is quite clear. With the Governor dead, factional struggles have begun. Our relatively remote territories, once entangled in their interests, will inevitably become cannon fodder. Add the Destiny Army to the mix, and we face threats both internal and external. Our destruction is merely a matter of time. Therefore, all of you - including Tars City - merging into Thunderkeep is your only viable option."
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Seeing Jonas's calm demeanor, Kodaga Joson's face darkened visibly. To make such statements in this council chamber was equivalent to slapping him, the City Lord, across the face. In the strictly hierarchical imperial system, how could his status be compared to these minor lords? The sheer audacity - suggesting his Tars City merge into Thunderkeep!
"What do you mean by this? Jonas, are you attempting rebellion?!"
Jonas slowly rose to his feet: "Rebellion is too strong a word. I merely wish to prevent fellow minor lords like myself from falling into danger. I can repel the Destiny Army's attacks and offer them a glorious future, rather than have them become sacrificial pawns in factional struggles. As for Tars City - with its corrupt and decadent nobility, how much protection can they truly offer you? Were it not for Thunderkeep, none of you would even be sitting here today."
Hearing Jonas's words, the lords fell into deep contemplation. In normal times, such speech would be considered high treason. But in the Empire's current chaos, nothing brings more reassurance than actual strength.
Seeing Jonas disregard him so completely, Kodaga Joson flew into humiliated rage. "You're spouting nonsense!"
Jonas smirked: "I'm realizing you nobles are truly pigs. Do you honestly think anyone will still cater to your privileges at a time like this?"
"What?"
Jonas stood impassively, showing no hesitation, not even bothering with further words.
Swish—
With a sudden sweep of his arm, Jonas's blade flashed like lightning across Kodaga Joson's neck. The strike was faster than wind - before anyone could blink, the cold gleam had already passed.
Kodaga Joson's body jerked violently, blood not even having time to flow from his neck yet. His eyes widened in disbelief at Jonas before him. "Y-you... gurgle..." His hands clutched desperately at his throat.
Jonas acted as if nothing had happened, sheathing his sword with elegant composure. Stepping forward, he pressed a hand against Kodaga Joson's head and said coolly: "Only by recognizing reality can one survive better." These words were directed both at the dying man and the assembled lords.
He hadn't wanted to kill, but with Kodaga Joson having surrounded them with so many swordsmen and mages, he decided to go all the way and take complete control. Making an example was the simplest way to establish authority.
As Jonas released his grip, Kodaga Joson collapsed limply, blood finally gushing forth to form a growing pool on the floor.
Everything had happened too quickly. Before the surrounding lords could react, Kodaga Joson already lay dead on the ground. A deathly silence fell over the chamber.
He actually dared to kill! And what terrifying skill was that? In that instant, none had even seen his movement clearly. Suddenly, any remaining doubts about Jonas's reported repulsion of the Destiny Army vanished.
Many realized one thing: Jonas's methods were ruthless and uncompromising, his ambitions vast. Each began weighing the consequences of refusing him - would they end up like Kodaga Joson? In these chaotic times, perhaps they truly needed a powerful faction's protection.
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Amid this sudden turn, Kodaga Joson's retainers burst in with mages and swordsmen, only to freeze at the sight of their lord's corpse on the floor. This... this death came too abruptly... None had imagined Jonas wouldn't even bother refusing - just immediately struck to kill.
Blades were instantly drawn against Jonas, while mages behind began chanting spells.
Jonas looked at them calmly. In the next instant, tiny flames materialized in the air around each person. Though small, these flames radiated intense heat that immediately had the guards and mages breaking out in sweat. Such speed of magic conjuration and flame intensity was simply unbelievable!!!
Everyone recalled the rumors of Jonas single-handedly bombarding entire armies with fireballs. If those flames exploded now, survival seemed impossible. They couldn't tell whether their sweat came from heat or fear anymore.
"Is a dead man worth your loyalty?" Jonas asked casually as he took Kodaga Joson's former seat, crossing his legs with perfect calm despite the tense standoff.
"You—" A swordsman began angrily, but before he could finish speaking, a nearby flame pierced straight through his body.
With 100% magic affinity and extreme proficiency, Jonas possessed terrifying battlefield control. This casual display had the others swallowing hard - such effortless magic use was horrifying.
"Meaningless death and resistance are simply stupidity in my eyes," Jonas said, turning his gaze to the first retainer who'd entered - Kuroth, Kodaga Joson's chief retainer and a man of balanced abilities in all aspects.
"Wouldn't you agree, Kuroth?"
Under Jonas's gaze, Kuroth's back became drenched in cold sweat. He had no doubt one wrong word would land him the same fate as Kodaga Joson.
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Within two seconds, Kuroth made his wisest decision possible.
Thud—
He dropped to one knee, bowing his head deeply.
"Lord Jonas, I pledge my loyalty to you. Only the strong are worthy of my service."
Jonas couldn't help but smile at the man before him.
[Kuroth]
[Loyalty: -10%]
Through his system, he could discern a person's preferences and personality. While Kuroth had balanced abilities, he valued his life and wealth above all. Such men would never show high loyalty, but were easily controlled. Find their interests, control their weaknesses - easier to handle than dogs.
Moreover, Kuroth knew all of Kodaga Joson's affairs, making the transition smooth.
Jonas retrieved a black collar from his spatial magic ring, tossing it before Kuroth. "You know what this is. Put it on, then offer your loyalty."
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