I had no idea what he meant.

  “It’s the network they’re afraid of.” Trent took a deep breath. “When a new city is established, it attracts families to come out and build the infrastructure for the town. The God will provide funds to get that started as well as pay for the wall to be upgraded, the roads to be fixed, everything.” He motioned outside. “Think about this place. There isn’t an independent weapon shop. If you want something, you have to go through the Temple. The clothing and food options are also bare, but if a God claims this city, then the city walls will have to be expanded. All of the sudden, there is land to be claimed, gates to be explored and what was once a bare city now needs a thriving population of Nobles to help run it.”

  “And the Gods don’t want one of the families in the headquarters out of their city.” I nodded.

  “New Gods are like a power vacuum. Most of the time, a powerful family will just send a branch out, but you’re going to have those families who see it as an opportunity to move up in the social ladder and when they do, it creates unrest in the established city because the seat of power moved.” Trent looked into my eyes. “That’s why we need to get people moved into Gar and start its development now. Not many families are going to want to send their heirs out there, but if you can convince some of your classmates…” He let the rest of his idea hang in the air.

  “So I need to start playing nice with the other teams.” I sighed. “I have no idea how to handle this political stuff.”

  He cleared his throat. “But Nakten does.”

  “You want me to trust the daughter of the enemy to set up my city?” I shifted in my seat. “Seriously?”

  “She’s in your group now and it’s a matter of time before her Goddess class awakens.” He took a deep breath. “You might as well start using her to the fullest of her capabilities.”

  “Couldn’t she just put in a bunch of families that are loyal to her father, which would allow the Primus to cripple my city if I ever do anything to defy them?” I stared at him. “Why do you think this is a good thing?”

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  “Do you trust Rix?’

  I blinked. “Do what?”

  “Do you trust Rix?” He repeated.

  “With my life, but I don’t see how that’s the same thing.” I jabbed my thumb at the wall behind me. “Nakten was raised by Votic. Rix had no idea who her father was…” I searched Trent’s face for a hint. “Right?”

  “She didn’t know.” Trent confirmed. “But she was raised by outlaws and killers just the same. She was taught to look out for herself and yet, you trust her.”

  “I trust her because she’s proven that she’ll put her life on the line to protect the team.” I shook my head. “Nakten hasn’t done anything but try to get me to unlock her class.”

  “She is competing for a spot on a team against a God killer.” Trent shrugged. “Can you blame her that she’s afraid of not being relevant if she doesn’t have the power of a Goddess?”

  “If she knew me better, she wouldn’t think that.” I folded my arms in front of me. “You really think that this is a good idea. To make the daughter of one of our enemies my city planner?”

  “I think it’s the best hand we’ve got.” Trent shrugged. “I’ve got contacts and could populate the city for you, but those people aren’t going to be loyal to you, they’re going to be loyal to me since I was the one who brought them there. Once you take the city, they’ll still be loyal to me. At least with Nakten they will see you as her partner.”

  I sank into my seat as I thought about what he was saying. “Isn’t Celia going to be handling Gar for a while?”

  “Part of our deal with Nevah was that I take over stewardship of the city.” Trent cleared his throat. “I’ve already talked to Celia and she’s agreed to hand over control to me on our way back.”

  My heart sank. I’d been hoping that by having Celia in charge of the city, I wouldn’t have to worry about meeting with families and making alliances. “So you’re a mercenary group now?”

  “I am.” Trent sighed. “I’m going to have to pull resources from other places to secure the city because bandits, other families, and unaligned Gods will come looking to try to take over in some way. Whisper has agreed to stay there to protect against most of that.”

  I tilted my head. “Isn’t Whisper only Tier Five?”

  “He’s Tier Six now.” Trent paused as if he was debating on telling me more.

  “What is it?”

  “Don’t worry.” Trent shook his head.

  “Trent…” I glared at the older man. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Lyssa Beeki is probably going to be there too and she’s Tier Seven. Which on one hand is more strength, on the other…” He sighed. “She’s a God Hunter.”

  Rating, Review, Follow, Favorite, or Comment does wonders to boost my morale. If you want to help support my writing or check out advanced chapters, head over to my .

  RR Writer's Guild