“Octavian?”

Dragna City. Rihan and Aeon were inside a bar called Viper. This bar was owned by Aeon and operated by the members of Mamushi. In other words, it was one of their bases.

“Are you sure he said Octavian?”

Rihan furrowed his brows while Aeon nodded.

“Octavian Halbred Arts and Octavian Halbred Arts Revised. He used these two sets of techniques to destroy us.”

“Octavian Halbred Arts….”

“Are you familiar with it?”

“Octavian is the original name of Augustus.”

Aeon’s eyes widened.

“Then he was using Augustus’ techniques?”

“Not only using, but he probably made them his own and improved them. Hence, the Revised.”

“He improved Augustus’ technique? That Augustus?”

“Well, the Octavian Arts was created by Augustus when he was a youth before he became the invincible Heavenly Conqueror. So you could say that they’re prototypes of his later techniques.”

Rihan paused for a bit.

“Even so, mastering and improving something made by our founder is a great feat. As you witnessed, prototypes or not, Augustus is still Augustus. Anything he created is sure to be powerful. Another thing, the Octavian Arts aren’t bound to the Halbred alone.”

“What? Are you saying there are more variations?”

Rihan nodded.

“Halbred, Sword, Bow, Shield, and Fists. There are five variants. I don’t know how many Rogan can use but if it’s all 5 then he needs to be killed ASAP before he matures.”

“If he masters and revised all 5 wouldn’t he be like a young Augustus?”

“There’s another power that he might have. I probably need to meet him face to face to be sure but if he does possess it, that would explain why Krow gave him Augustus’ techniques and why he can use them.”

“What technique is that?”

(More importantly, why do you know so much?)

Rihan showed a smile and took a sip of his drink. Aeon immediately knew that he wasn’t going to answer his question.

“I have a new assignment for you.”

He changed the topic.

“What is it?”

“Destroy the church of Augustus and assassination it’s leader, Pope Gaius. If you’re successful then we’ll be able to weaken the Augustine Regime that Rogan leads.”

“What about Rogan?”

Rihan smirked.

“I’ll deal with him myself.”

“Alright. I’ll do it. However, I want to visit my mother’s country after everything settles down.”

“That’s fine by me. I’m sure it will make her happy.”

Rihan took another sip.

“The question is, just when will everything settle down?”

Meanwhile, Miko and Ecko were talking in his office.

“We haven’t really talked much have we, Miko? Just you and me?”

“That’s because of the difference in status and branch. It’s not like I hate you or any of the branch leaders. I mean, I can tell that you all expect great things from me. You didn’t hesitate to defend me whenever I couldn’t do it myself. For that I’m grateful.”

“I see. That’s good to know.”

Ecko was all smiles.

“So where’s Granny? I don’t see her anywhere?”

“She’s messing around somewhere.”

“You mean that she’s keeping an eye on your family in the capital?”

“You’re quite sharp.”

“Thousands of years of experience I guess.”

Miko nodded.

“There’s no use hiding it. Tia is acting as my eyes and ears in the capital.”

“That’s a smart move. I now understand why you can keep calm despite the condition Sasha's in. However, I’m sure she’s only focusing on Sasha's immediate surroundings. She can spread her senses to cover the capital but that will create weak points in her observation net. People can slip through those weak points and reach your mother without you knowing, even if the chances of that are slim. You’re a mother’s boy, so I’m certain you won’t allow such a possibility so you asked granny to concentrate on her. The rest of the capital comes second.”

“I’m impressed. Despite we not spending much time together it seems you have a good grasp of my character.”

Ecko laughed and shook her head.

“I just thought about what Gamiko would do in your situation. You two have similar personalities.”

She crossed her leg.

“It seems that you’ve also picked up his habit of suppressing your emotions until it explodes.”

“………”

“I’m sure you’re aware of what your grandfather did at the strategy meeting.”

“I’m aware.”

“And your thoughts about what happened?”

“If you’re asking if I believe that he’s right or if I’m upset about what happened to him and my grandmother, then my answer is yes to both.”

(It was only for a second but I could see the anger in his eyes. It’s gone without a trace now.)

Ecko clasped her hand in front of her with a smile.

“Then do you have any intentions of acting on them?”

“None.”

“Why?”

“Because it would put me at a bigger disadvantage than I am now.”

Ecko’s eyes widened.

“The fact that you can still think logically despite the storm of emotions swirling in your heart is impressive for someone your age. The ability to kill off your emotions and continue to push forward is something your grandfather also had. However, I don’t know if you have the ability to release your suppressed emotions and use them to grant you explosive strength as he did. Once you release your emotions can you get them back under control? Or will you be devoured by them? I don’t know what you’re planning but whether you can or not will definitely be a key.”

She leaned forward.

“Please be careful, Miko. You’re playing a dangerous game. I’ve seen too many people do what you’re doing only to get devour by their emotions and break apart….Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“I appreciate your concern but I have everything under control.”

Miko showed a bright smile.

“You don’t need to worry.”

“Tsk.”

Ecko leaned back in her seat after clicking her tongue.

“You’re really Nero’s blood alright. Stubborn just like him.”

“You don’t hide your feelings do you?”

Miko was smiling contrary to the upset Ecko.

“Of course I don’t. I always wear my heart on my sleeve.”

“Doesn’t that cause you a lot of problems? Like in battle?”

“Not really. I’m super strong after all. I don’t need deception, all I need is these two.”

She clenched her fists in front of her.

“….So you’re that type? You’re the complete opposite of my grandmother.”

“Tsk.”

Ecko clicked her tongue again.

“Are you two not on good terms?”

“How could we? She runs an assassination business while I’m the head of a vigilante group that saves people from all over the world.”

“Ah, Star Rose. Unlike the other Branch Leaders, you’re actually considered a hero by countless worldwide. I forgot about that.”

“My mother, Tilly Dragna, had a strong sense of justice. She believed that we should save others whenever we can. I admired how she lived and died so I chose the same path as her.”

“While my grandmother is a cold-hearted assassin. I can see why you two don’t get along.”

“Before she married into the clan we clashed numerous times on the battlefield. She was trying to kill people for money and fame while I was trying to save them. We hated each other guts back then.”

“And now?”

“We can stay in the same room without trying to kill each other so I guess we’re good.”

(…Now that I think about it, I’ve never seen them talk before.)

“Even though, I don’t like her what happened to her doesn’t sit well with me.”

Ecko mumbled.

“I understand why Nova is upset. I’m just glad that Maria and Alisa are keeping him in check. A war with Joesph Flameheart is the last thing we want.”

She sighed.

“For once, I’m glad that Rihan is the way he is and won’t do anything too stupid. If Gamion and Gian were here I doubt we could control the situation.”

“I haven’t met them but I heard that those two have bad tempers and dangerous abilities to go with them….Speaking of, why haven’t those two returned?”

“That’s because they most likely don’t know what’s going on. You see, they’re in a different dimension than others.”

“What?”

“It’s a long story but their mother has a special heritage. They’ve gone to explore that.”

“….I see.”

Miko didn’t know how to respond.

“We’ve gone off track. The reason I came here is to learn about what you’re thinking, Miko. Just what kind of plans do you have in the works?”

“Are you ordering me to tell you everything?”

“I don’t have the authority to do that.”

“But you’re far stronger than I am.”

“That doesn’t give me the authority. Although, if it was Andreas who came he would’ve told you the opposite.”

She laughed.

“Even if he did I still wouldn’t say.”

“Why? You don’t trust us?”

“In times like these, trust in morality isn’t important. I put my trust in myself and my ability to assess the situation and respond accordingly.”

“In other words, it’s business nothing personal?”

Miko nodded.

“Well, I can’t force you nor do I intend to.”

“I’m grateful to hear that.”

Ecko stood up.

“Since you won’t say I’ll just tell the others to trust your judgment.”

“That would be great.”

Ecko nodded.

“However, please don’t do anything that will put us at a greater disadvantage. Also, keep what I said about being devoured in mind, okay?”

Miko smiled.

“You don’t have to worry about that. No matter what happens, I’ll always win.”

Ecko left leaving Miko alone in his office. He was about to go through some papers when a green light shone inside the office. From it, a dryad appeared kneeling before his desk.

“Kai, what do you have to report?”

The dryad lifted her head with a smile.

“The doors of the Ruined World have been spotted in the capital. It’s about to open.”

Miko stood from his seat with a huge grin on his face.

“So you have returned, Layla!”

His grin grew sinister.

“Looks like it’s finally time to start my counterattack.”