The golden light of the systemic buyout faded from the night sky and left the valley in deep shadow. The oppressive magical aura of the ancient god vanished entirely. Leo stood in the blood soaked mud of the dry trench and looked at the veteran mercenary.
"The transaction is complete," Leo stated calmly. "The Obsidian Cartel holds no authority in this valley. Your men are fully backed by the Ashguard central bank."
Ronan stared at his glowing hands. A surge of clean raw energy flooded his exhausted muscles. The connection did not feel like the heavy iron chain of his previous employer. It felt like a deep well of limitless stamina.
"The agility blessing is returning," Ronan noted. He flexed his fingers and gripped the hilts of his twin swords. "But it feels entirely different. Malakor f
