Despite Radolfo's introductory words, there was a pregnant pause as the other Faction members gathered themselves. With a single glance from me, Jolene had led the Tendril siblings to the ring of chairs close to Teion and Ponzio. The giantess had helped Horace to his feet, but had been refused softly but firmly from insisting on medical help. For all that Horace was a massive tool, he didn't mistreat his own people. The giant who likely would have at least a fractured, if not severely bruised, cheekbone cleared his throat and took his seat without another word. The two minor factions seemed to look to their respective allies for direction that wasn't forthcoming since they were staring in my direction. They eventually capitulated and took their seats, even if neither Cindy nor Hubert looked particularly comfortable with the situation.

The people that had been standing guard outside the conference hall chose that moment to storm in. Their confusion was palpable, and they eyed the Entity face hovering behind my back with fear. Even those who'd been brought into the know for the Nash and Zebelos looked uncertain. It wasn't surprising, considering Hec's presentation had likely thrown the entire camp beyond the walls into disaster. Thankfully, Radolfo seemed to have already communicated with Ponzio and the youth assuaged everyone's concerns after giving the Cloth Muscles and Mage Circles further instructions. Some of the guards that had been waiting beyond entered regardless, rushing to their representatives for direction only to be dismissed quickly with claims of exaggerated reactions.

No giant, lizardfolk, fae, or Partial associated with the other factions looked even remotely reassured by their leaders, but they followed their direction without fuss. It was helpful that all the people of import seemed to be sitting down instead of running around in a panic. Vibrosense told me that things outside the conference hall were distinctly less under control, but it never spilled back into our room. With the situation somewhat stabilized, Radolfo cleared his throat to continue as the facilitator of the conference.

"I believe a round of introductions is not strictly necessary, considering the notoriety of the members present, but for the sakes of this first session being successful I will start. My name is Radolfo Zebelos and I am the acting head of the Zebelos family Faction in control of our fine city's central region."

Sharon coughed, drawing her eyes and setting a direction of the introductions to move in. "I am Sharon Nash, acting shaman leader of the city of Ocala and part-acting head of the Nash family Faction in control of our city's south eastern region."

"Subsidiary to the Nash family," Cindy squeaked. "I am Cindy Myers, head of the Huntington Faction in charge of the far south eastern region of our city along the Ocala Torrent."

Sargon remained quiet for a moment, seemingly mulling over his own words before nodding to himself. The man leaned forward, the lackadaisical air gone, as he introduced himself seriously. "My name is Sargon 'The Incandescent'. I am the acting head of the Breakers of Beasts, Flesh, and Boundaries as well as representative of the current Partial population. Our Faction controls the western region of this city."

"I am Horace Higgins," the giant said, wincing the whole time as he spoke. Not one word sounded slurred, however, which was an impressive fact in and of itself in my opinion; credit where it is due, Horace was tough. "I am representative of the interests of the joint clans of Ocala, and heir to the Higgins Clan. In attendance with me is my betrothed Taylor of the MacGille clan and Nova of the MacKay clan. That their wisdom might be shown through mine. We defend the north eastern and north western boundaries of our city."

"Subsidiary to the Clans," Hubert said, giving Horace the side eye. "I am Hubert Cox, head of the Spring Hoppers Faction in charge of the far north eastern region of our city along the Ocala Torrent."

With the ball clearly passed on to me, I stood for my introduction. "I am Ronan Terrigan, here in representation of the best interests of the Allied Town Council that resides south of your river border. In conjunction to this responsibility, I am here as Leader of the Dreg Warriors of Earth to represent humanity's best interests as well as the right of self inherent to the Entities that exist within most Metier Crystals."

I could see that Horace and Sargon wanted to argue, but they held their tongue. I wasn't sure if it was a continuation of their disagreement with my qualifications or my statement regarding the Metier Crystals. The two subsidiary leaders looked ready to have a cow, their confusion and uncertainty so clearly visible on their faces.

"Your candor is appreciated," Radolfo continued. "We understand that you have some information to present to the conference, is that correct Mr. Terrigan?"

"Yes," I said, leaning back into Blobby and crossing my arms. "Some of that information has already been presented, however. Please, I don't want to disrupt the norm. From what my colleagues have informed me, you actually tend to have a conference following the attack of one of the Hurricanes. I think that topic takes precedent."

Radolfo looked at me, the light in his eyes intensifying for a second before evening. The old Zebelos turned to the rest of the table. "Very well. Let us give our after action report on the landfall of Hurricane Eurus.

"The Zebelos family reported successful suppression of the wild elementals throughout our territory. The caravan that was intercepted from the northern cities has been placed under our protection and is being rolled into the clean up efforts. As of last night, our main roads are free and clear of debris and all major injuries have been addressed with help from the Nash healers."

Radolfo turned to look at Horace, who repeated a similar result for their own passage through the storm. Their overall debris clean up had been entirely completed due to the reduced damage their sturdier construction provided, and many of the Clansmen mercenaries were already moving to subsidize the city's food needs while stores were evaluated. With a simple nod, Radolfo pivoted to Hubert, who deferred commenting by citing a collaborative effort with the Clansmen as a fishery subsidy. When Radolfo looked at Sargon, some of the smug confidence returned to the man.

"Our efforts are our own. Suffice it to say, the Breakers are unbroken," Sargon said, crossing his arms to match my own closed, but relaxed posture. Radolfo didn't even have to look to the next person, their own demeanor buckling out from under them.

"We defer to the Shaman," Cindy said, bowing her head slightly. "We are supplementing our supply of herbs for healing to make up for the stores used during the storm defense."

"Thank you, Cindy. Your help is much appreciated," Sharon said. Her wooden wheelchair creaked as she adjusted herself in it. Silence once more filled the room, but no one interrupted the old woman. Certainly not going to be me that does it. "There are a number of things I'd like to raise to the other Faction leaders. Chief amongst them is my upcoming resignation as head of the Nash Family, with a subsequent stepping down of my role as Shaman of our city."

Even Radolfo was thrown off by that declaration, the old man spinning to try to catch Sharon's eyes. Teion was on his feet, but Dyonte didn't look particularly surprised even if he looked resigned. Cindy looked about as pale as her grey-toned demoness skin allowed.

"And who shall take on this mantle," Sargon scoffed. "My power is not yours to command."

"Damn right it isn't. If it was, I would have forced you to get your head out of your ass so that you could use those candle wicks you call eyes!" The Shaman roared, her Staff flaring with power as the table was ruffled by the passage of her Arcane Sink. Knowing what to expect, I let the domain wash over me like a cold front instead of contesting it like Sargon did. While the elemental held his own bubble, it was unable to contest with Sharon's two Totems. Steam and heat waves crackled in the space at the center of the table before the woman pulled her Arcane Sink back.

Sargon looked shaken by the outburst, glancing at the woman as if she'd been the one to strike him like I'd done to Horace. The giant and his subsidiary had remained quiet during the exchange, but I could see the folds on his brow.

"The mantle," Sharon growled, resting back in her wheelchair, "will be carried by those in this damn city with a spine to hold it. Apparently, those currently in it don't have what it takes and a foreigner had to step in to help an old woman deal with the messes of her neighbors."

"There is no way he contributed that much," Horace interjected. While the disdain was there, I could feel how deflated his argument was when compared to the beginning of the conference. From 'nothing' to 'that much', eh? I had to restrain myself from breaking out in laughter.

"If Eurus knows what is good for them, they will not be coming back for decades yet," Sharon said evenly. "Ronan's assistance allowed me to disillusion the elemental from leaving the city with all his limbs. A blow, I'll point out to everyone present, that we have never been able to achieve even in the early days of this city when we didn't waste time bickering over scraps of space."

Horace paled, and Sargon simmered down to glowing coals at the declarations Sharon had put down. Both Faction leaders turned towards me, getting a shrug in response. "I'm a sucker for team work. Leads to more synergy, I've come to learn."

While the two leaders processed, Sharon continued with her actual report. She called out precise numbers of defenders that had been protected from injury due to my actions as well as how Eurus' entourage had been subsequently crippled, likely decimated, due to my disruptive defense. She didn't harp on the fact that Amelia and Fievil had been heavily involved, not to mention Blobby when the slime had kept the weather tower from partly collapsing, but her agenda was clear. 'You idiots aren't doing your job and the outsider is coming to take it. I am totally okay with that.'

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Funnily enough, it was the most obvious political endorsement I could recall receiving from anyone. My approach when uniting the towns north of Wildwood had been more of a conquerors diplomacy. There was still a fair bit of that when I clashed with the powers in Ocala, but it had changed more to a diplomacy of competence. Slight distinction, but it mattered tons for the bomb I was getting ready to drop on the Factions.

The group almost looked worried to hear what I had to say. Not only those at the table but everyone arrayed in the conference outside of Jolene and the Tendril siblings. Well, Tucker and Amaya look about ready to faint but that's unrelated to the truth of the city and more to do with the pressure of everything going on here.

"My turn, I suppose?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in Radolfo's direction.

"The floor is yours, Mr. Terrigan."

"Great," I said, rising to my feet as I was unable to keep myself contained to even Blobby's unreasonably comfortable confines. A satisfied smirk rose to my face as I watched everyone at the table other than Sharon flinch. "Don't worry. I'd stay seated."

I started to pace, crossing my hands across my chest before glancing at the people present. "What would you all say is the central factor to your continued survival as humans?"

The table hesitated, unsure of where I was going. Since I didn't continue and kept pacing, Radolfo braved an answer. "Our collaboration."

Letting my grin widen, I nodded enthusiastically. "Correct. Absolutely, and irrevocably correct. If we did not flock, gather and otherwise unite our entire species would have been relegated to fossil record for whichever advanced magical species grew in our stead. So, does it seem right that you bash and batter, lobotomize and abuse the biggest contributor to your collaboration?"

"What are you talking about?" Horace asked. Despite the bite in his tone, I could see that his eyes were already flicking between me and Hec's face looming behind me.

"I think you know, Horace. The Metier Crystals are alive. Let me set the record straight, they have always been alive just in a different way from what we as humans would understand. Everyone present here has Crystal Wards under their jurisdiction. What you are holding is, in fact, parts of an Entity that came to our planet in search of a multiversal spanning threat."

Over the course of the next hour I laid out the highlights of our discoveries since arriving at the surface. The minutes slipped through my fingers as everyone held on to my every word. I could even feel Hec's radiant gaze flick as I continued to move back and forth. I did my best to tie the story into the nature of the Entities, the connection that my Implant allowed and how that had drawn me and the others closer and closer to the Entities with every level we crossed. The specifics of the Implant I left out, leaning on the extent of Wildwood's fight against the Aberrants.

With every part of the story I paved, I kept a close eye on the reactions of everyone present. There was a lot of confusion and uncertainty except in Sharon and Radolfo, who were already familiar with the story. The Shaman a little less so than the Zebelos, but she was a smart lady and I was sure she'd read into the context clues of what I was laying out.

When I was done, I crossed my arms behind my back, casually flicking the blade of Fievil's axe blade as my eyes and vibrosense drilled into the unallied half of the table.

"How could we expect to believe what you are saying?" Horace said, the strength of his voice now almost entirely flat. If his brow furrowed much more, it might be worthwhile to plant some crops there.

"Do you need him to blast our eardrums again, you numbskull!?" Sharon huffed.

"While I am sure Hec would love to talk, and I want to make it clear that the Entity doesn't seem to hold your treatment of their body against you, that would cause difficulties for everyone present that I am sure you all don't want to deal with. Unless you wanted to bind yourself to my mission and receive an Implant," I said, gesturing over my shoulder. As if to highlight this point, loud fracturing sounds echoed as the Metier Crystal extended an arm-thick stretch of its body to hover at neck-height over my shoulder. Despite our reassurances as allies and supporters, even Radolfo and Sharon shivered as the pointed crystal hovered ominously by the table like a scorpion poised to strike.

"Perhaps some additional consideration for the future, Ronan," Radolfo tried, his voice uncertain for the first time. "You've given the conference a lot to consider already."

## They are shaken. ## Hec printed out a line of text before my eyes.

Of course they are. I won't say the display you made is impossible within the mix magic, but I don't think even I have the power and fine control to do what you are doing casually. Not to mention the city wide sound blast. I did my best not to let the surprise intermission of the Entity show on my face. It didn't do for them to see me jump after I'd laid out the setting for my next bomb. Thankfully, Sargon set that up for me perfectly.

"Perhaps what you say is true. Perhaps it is revolutionary. That doesn't mean that we are just going to up and change the way our city is protected from the abominations beyond our borders," the elemental stated with conviction.

"Is that so?" I asked, drawing out the word. It had been a good few hours since Daniela had hit the road, and even with only the few hours it had taken to gather the Faction leaders, I was sure Sam and April were putting in some work. "Hec, tell me. Between the Wards the Zebelos and Nash families have so courteously allowed us access to and the ones that my team is currently liberating, how many of your fragments remain unlinked within Ocala?"

## FIVE ##

The Entity's voice once more shook the building to its foundations. Thankfully their voice was only accompanied by sound and not a stirring of the magic in the room. While everyone in the conference hall winced, I could see the effects of my words sink in. Both Horace and Sargon spun, both comically standing at the same time and pointing accusatory fingers at me. "This is a ruse!" "Saboteur!"

"No," I said flatly, any amusement at their synchronous outburst smothered under the frustration I'd been fighting the whole time I spoke to the Faction leaders. "I am doing what I have to in order to even the odds against the things trying to infect your city and poison it right before your very eyes!"

"Your 'Crafter's Mania' isn't that in the least. It is a poisoning of the mind. A deluding of thoughts due to the intrusion of something corrupting the natural order of our planet!" My voice rose with each word until I could feel Diffracting Tissue at the edge of my vocal cords ready to redirect even my own self generated vibrations. "There is a plot in this city and my squad has begun to pull on the loose threads."

Without waiting for further permission I laid out everything in clear terms. The raid on the Jade Lounge, the dismantling of the Dreg distillery, the distribution network that seemed to be intermingled with the legitimate businesses in the city and the transformative effects that were resulting from the exposure. Horace had moved to ask a question, but I'd steamrolled forward as I started to cite the trends Jolene and Billy had found amidst the Zebelos archives. After a few poignant questions to Radolfo and Sharon that none of the others present could rebut, the picture was painted. A prosperous town that spread wider, but was plagued by strange developments every time their heart was splintered. A poisoning that killed cell by cell, one human soul lost to the Dreg at a time.

"If that wasn't enough to turn your stomach," I said, planting my hands heavily on the table to stare holes into Sargon. " The freedom you so champion for those Partials and Tendrils in the Breakers is wishful thinking at best."

"You don't know anything about us," Sargon defended, the fire within him flaring at the direct challenge.

"Oh really? You all must remember my party member, the younger elf? What is he if not one of your Partials? He was almost lost to the machinations of a misguided leader. What, pray tell, do you think could happen with a purposely malignant leader to guide the Aberrants? But no, that's not the only danger here," I said, glancing over my shoulder to Jolene who was holding Amaya's hand firmly. With the comm-plant I sent her, "It's time. They are up to share."

"It's okay. You are not alone," the merwoman said gently, nudging Tucker and helping Amaya to her feet. Jolly led the two to stand by my side.

"The raid on the distillery I mentioned? It didn't just lead to the death of the conspirators. It led to the liberation of some of your own population, swept under the rug and enslaved when they didn't let their mind succumb to the suggestions of the Aberrants. Tucker and Amaya were used as living mana batteries to fuel their operation."

"We were taken from the Clansmen technical orphanage," Tucker said, speaking at a prompting glance from me. "We'd been hoping to be formally accepted into one of the Clans before we turned. I thought... I thought it was just the way of things. The Clans didn't accept us into their ranks, and before we made it to the Breakers..."

"They took us. They chained us to the wall and wrung us dry until the only thing that existed in my stomach for more than an hour was bile,' Amaya said, channeling every ounce of vehemence she held towards the Aberrants. She wasn't even looking at any of the Faction leaders, but I could feel the waves of tension radiating off her person. "I had to watch my brother live in a feverish fugue day in and out. If they did it to us, how many more are out there? How many of the people living in Ocala are but shadows of their normal selves! Prisoners, not in a hole in the earth, but within their own mines!

"Even now I hear it, the whispers that tell me to be silent. To buckle and give myself in to the whole, whatever that means. To be part of the body that I rightfully belong to, not amidst those deluded by reality."

Sargon rose to his feet so fast that his chair flew back to the ground. His eyes were veritable bonfires that bore into the two siblings before snapping to mine, where the Fire Elemental found an unwavering mountain of conviction that stood firm even in the face of his burning pyre. Sargon's knuckles cracked loud enough that even unenhanced ears would have heard them before speaking. While the man didn't seem to have teeth, there was a very human gesture of grinding them as he spoke. "Sargon of the Breakers requests that this session be closed, so that I may confer with my people's representative. All in favor of reconvening tomorrow to address the topics discussed."

"The time is ticking," I said, meeting Sargon eye to eye.

"And so it must. Everyone has to have their voice heard regardless of their prevalence," Sargon snapped. "Yay for the motion."

Horace agreed almost instantly. Radolfo and Sharon looked contemplative. Radolfo raised his hand, agreeing with the motion. Sharon scoffed, but didn't agree with the provision. With the majority, the first session was called to a close. I didn't exactly expect the tension to just vanish, but I didn't expect the expedient exodus of the Breakers and Clansmen from the table. Those that had come with them followed close behind, each glancing my way more than once, before Horace and Sargon had left the conference hall.

All that remained were allies for half the city and an unhealthy amount of trepidation for how effective my recounting of the world's plight played out. I sighed, flopping down into Blobby. The slime patted my thigh, jiggling me in the hopes of lifting my mood. It was only mildly effective, but I wasn't about to be picky. "Time to hurry up and wait. God, I hate politics."