Titan: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 4) by Jez Cajiao (free ebooks for android .TXT) 📕

worse. Now, I came here expecting this would be a research and exploration outpost, most likely manned by a few scientists and historians, and that’s all. I had planned to recruit them and share the spoils of the exploration if they chose not to join me… in exchange for their knowledge of the Prax.”

“The... Prax?” Hannimish’s companion asked, glaring at me as though weighing and measuring me.

“Ah, this is my nephew, Joshua, Baron of Sarat,” Hannimish said smoothly. “He means no offense, my lord, but his question is appropriate… what is a ‘Prix’?”

“Prax, not prix,” I said shortly, my body aching and notifications flashing desperately in the corner of my vision. I could feel a deeper tremble running through my body, and I did the only two things that I felt might help: I attempted to ignore it for the moment, planning to make this meeting short, and I turned to Romanus. “Could you get me a potion of ‘Might,’ please, Romanus?” I asked, and he blinked in surprise before nodding and speaking softly to someone out of my sight.

“As to the Prax… well, this was a Prax, or a ‘War-City,’ as it might translate. This particular Prax was named ‘Glorious Retribution’. She sailed the skies, hunting down those who attempted piracy against the Empire, and assisted the Legion in bringing peace. Permanently, usually,” I said grimly, as I gestured generically, waving my hand to include the ground, and the trees, and the island.

“I am here to retrieve some items from the depths of the city and make some repairs to my ships, as well as permit my people to stretch their legs. I am at war with Himnel; as are you, I believe?” I asked, getting nods of affirmation from them both. “Good. That makes this easier, then. I have no quarrel with you, so if you have anything you want to trade, we can talk about it. Otherwise, we simply stay out of each other’s way. You don’t annoy me, and I won’t have my Legion stomp you from existence.” Joshua drew in a deep breath, straightening as if he were about to argue, when Hannimish grabbed his arm and held on tightly, bowing and forcing a smile.

“That sounds wonderful… Lord Jax… perhaps we could return to our camp and consider what treasures we might trade? And we could return to discuss this with you tomorrow? Or the day after, if that suits better?” he asked in a strangely pleasant tone, and I nodded tiredly.

“Yes, fine. Apologies for my lack of patience, Hannimish, Joshua; using powers such as that have an effect on me.” I said forcing myself to smile in return.

“Of course! We completely understand, my lord. We will, of course, look forward to meeting with you again soon… noon, on the second day from now? At our camp? I will ensure there are refreshments, and… ” he continued to blather happily as I nodded acceptance.

“Fine, fine.” I waved one hand to stem the tide of his platitudes. “But mark my words, Hannimish: if I find slaves there, you will regret it. Better to admit it now and free them, before I get annoyed.”

“We don’t have slaves in Narkolt,” Hannimish replied quickly, looking offended. “We hold to the old ways as well.”

“Ah, of course…” I said, relaxing slightly. “I remember hearing that once; my apologies. I’m glad to learn that it is true, Lord Hannimish, Baron Joshua. I’ll look forward to meeting you then.” I gestured to the door, and they hurried out, gathering up their people and leaving the clearing quickly.

“Romanus, I want their camps watched… oh, thank you,” I said tiredly as he handed me a potion of ‘Legionnaire’s Might’ and watched in a sort of sick fascination as I popped the top off and downed it, chugging the horrible concoction as quickly as I could before grabbing a pitcher of water and washing it down.

“It will be done, my lord. Restun?” Romanus asked, and the Centurion Primus saluted and disappeared from the tent as Romanus turned back to me. “I’ve never seen anyone actually ask for one of those,” he said, smiling faintly. “It usually takes a direct order to make someone take it, and even then, I’m always reminded of advice I got as a young officer.”

“Oh?” I asked curiously, swilling my mouth out and making a face. “Gods, that shit’s nasty.” I forced myself to take a bite of cheese to try to cleanse my palate. “What advice?”

“Never give an order you know won’t be obeyed.” Romanus said, shrugging.

“Hah, well, yeah, I can see why.” I grimaced, shaking my head and sitting back in my chair. Taking Oracle’s hand again, I reveled in the feeling of her cool fingers as they intertwined with my own and offered silent support and reassurance. “What do you think of that, then?” I asked him.

“Well, it could have gone better, admittedly, but I’ve had dealings with Faustus and his brother before, so I have to say, I’m not unhappy about the turn of events in the slightest.”

“Really?” I asked him, grinning. “I’m not the only one that hates the nobility, then?”

“Gods, no, but you’re not allowed to hate the nobility anymore, as you’re one of them.” Romanus snorted. “They’re only nobles at your sufferance. Dispossess them of their titles and raise new ones up in their stead, and watch how fast some of them start pulling their fingers out and following the laws.”

“That’d get their attention, wouldn’t it!” I chuckled, picturing the panicked chaos.

“It really would!” he agreed with enthusiasm. “Mind you, I know you’d want to watch their faces when they find out, but why haven’t you done it with at least a few by now?”

“Done what?”  I asked.

“Dispossessed them of their titles?” Romanus prompted, and I blinked, eyeing him in surprise.

“I can actually do that?” I stared from him to Oracle and back in astonishment.

“Of course!” Romanus said, frowning at me in surprise. “You’re the Imperial Scion, and they bear Imperial titles, even if