Chapter 45: Veiss

Veiss headed into the break room. The space was plastered brilliant white with a low ceiling.

His eyes brightened when he spotted his target by one of the old computers.

Despite being incarcerated for over two decades the old fellow was the previous leader of the AoF: the 1st Master Fate. He would still command considerable respect within the organization.

‘This makes him a suitable ally.’

An endorsement from a former leader would go a long in stabilizing his position after his sudden takeover.

Veiss furrowed his brows as he recalled his attempts to coax M’Khabye. Dealing with old folks was quite troublesome.

‘Because they think they know everything.’

Hence he needed to be more subtle. Get to know him, establish good relations with him before tapping the trigger.

‘What should I say?’

Veiss slowed his approach.

Hello, how are you? Felt too mundane. What if he wasn’t the talkative type? The conversation would quickly fizzle out. He needed to be memorable.

Bang! Veiss jumped in surprise. The 1st Master Fate had fisted his desk in frustration.

‘At least I have an in now.’

“1st master, what’s wrong?” He asked stopping behind him.

The 1st peeked over his shoulder and his long white ponytail whipped back and forth.

He looked much healthier now compared to when they broke him out the tomb. His body had filled out to a respectable lean and his complexion brightened to a light brown tone.

‘Still old and wrinkled though.’

“Laxus is fine.”

“Veiss.”

“I know who you are,” Laxus said, pointed at the virtual screen. “Can you believe this?”

Veiss read over his shoulders. He had searched Agents of Fate on the virtual network and most of the results were related to their recent attacks with tags like terrorists, anarchists and guerrillas.

‘What’s so strange?’

Veiss’ first instincts were to share his outrage but for the life of him. He wasn’t seeing whatever had triggered the old thing. The agents were all that and more. All for the right reasons of course but it was still true.

“What do you mean?” He finally asked not bothered to guess.

“What’s wrong is that we used to be a peace keeping organization. One that took in and protected No-chips. When did we become terrorists?”

‘Ahh to think the 1st is one of those non-aggression fools who cower to the federation’s tyranny.’

For one he mostly approved of the master’s proactiveness since he took over. They had hid too long.

Veiss shook his head in realization. He’d heard this kind of tone countless times before.

‘A classic case of everything was better in my day syndrome.’

Hating on the younger generation’s way of doing things was one of the many symptoms of getting old.

Laxus studied the look on his face, which seemed to further justify the fury in his eyes.

“Hmph,” Laxus scoffed. “You disagree, this generation is too hot-blooded. To think M’Khabye supported such recklessness. No wonder there hasn’t been much success decrypting the rest of the scriptures since my hiatus. You’re all running around making fools of yourselves.”

Veiss almost snapped on the old thing but thought better of it.

‘Stop letting these old fools get to you.’

Veiss narrowed his eyes. “I’m sure M’Khabye and the master acted according to the will of fate.”

He still didn’t believe in fate or the old religion but he reckoned this old fool did.

‘After all, most of the weakest minds in the clan believed in the old religion.’

And he wasn’t opposed to using that against him.

Laxus slumped into his plastic chair, stroked at his white beard. Marinated over his words and finally said.

“Your right, when interpreted properly the trends of fate have never led us wrong.”

Something clicked in Veiss’ mind. He was onto something. This being more tolerant thing had its advantages.

‘Makes me seem wiser.’

“But the master can be,” Veiss paused searching for the right words. “Overly audacious shall we say. An experienced calming presence like yourself would be invaluable by his side.”

Laxus bobbed his head slow, thoughtful.

‘You like the sound of that don’t you, you old bastard.’ Veiss smirked. ‘I support him now and later he supports me.’

He would make the old fellow feel important. Give selfless advice at his most vulnerable. Was there a better way to farm loyalty? Then when Veiss made his power play, the old man would undoubtedly return the favour and support him through the controversy.

‘I’ll have to turn him against M’Khabye first.’

Only then would his plan will be ready. Veiss adjusted his sunglasses and sneered. M’Khabye would play god by extending the master’s life but little does she realize.

‘Veiss Morrow will not be denied what he is owed.’

He would receive his inheritance and his vision for the AoF would come to pass.