Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 570: Zanis Association

Chapter 570: Zanis Association

William’s gaze was icy as he surveyed the commotion in the Logistics Military Center. Only after the tension in the air began to subside did he gradually withdraw his oppressive aura. Step by step, William moved across the polished floor, his posture radiating calm and authority, until he stood near the reception desk. There, his sharp eyes turned upon the Sky Seed Depravitas and Urion, along with the latter’s guardian.

"What is going on here?" William asked his voice low yet resonant—a tone that demanded immediate answers.

Urion, whose eyes glowed with resentment and murderous intent, did not wait for anyone else to speak. Instead, he jabbed a finger in Vlad’s direction, practically shouting, "I am an emissary of the Zanis Association! Those men attacked me without provocation. As a representative of the Imperial authority, I insist you apprehend them at once!"

William regarded Urion with a steady gaze, and a fleeting look of distaste passed through the Royal Knight’s eyes. It took but a single glance for him to judge the kind of man Urion was—arrogant, self-important, and entirely unaccustomed to defiance. However, William also knew the Zanis Association was no trivial power.

Taking a measured breath, William focused on Oliver, the quartermaster. He did not speak, but the intensity of his gaze made his intentions plain: he needed a clear, unbiased recounting of events.

Oliver exhaled audibly, clearly reluctant to become tangled in conflict. Still, he had no choice but to comply with a Royal Knight’s unspoken command. Stepping forward, he cleared his throat and spoke in a precise, factual manner. "The Barons were in the process of finalizing the sale of their loot," Oliver explained. "The gentleman from the Zanis Association intervened, offering to purchase the Voroe Sage corpses. Upon the Barons’ refusal, Lord Urion grabbed Baron Vlad by the shoulder. In response, Baron Vlad attacked with lethal intent, but Lord Urion’s guardian appeared just in time to intercept the blow."

Oliver’s recounting was concise and without favoritism. He neither embellished details nor offered judgments, simply presenting the truth as he had seen it.

William nodded, acknowledging Oliver’s testimony, then turned his full attention to Urion. "Based on the quartermaster’s account," he said, his tone calm and formal, "the Baron bears no blame in this situation. Therefore, there is no cause to apprehend anyone on his side. If anything, your decision to seize him by force is what instigated this altercation."

For a moment, Urion simply stared at William, stunned. Anywhere he went, people tripped over themselves to cater to his demands. His arrogance came from years of being pampered and fawned over. Yet now, not only had he been all but dismissed by a group of "nobodies," he was also being reprimanded by a Royal Knight. A wave of disbelief, followed by a surge of rage, swelled within him.

Blood pounded in his veins, and for an instant, he seemed poised to lash out, only to restrain himself at the last second. A cold gleam appeared in his eyes in a final, desperate attempt to exert pressure. "Are you absolutely certain of this decision?" he asked, his voice dropping to a threatening hush. "I am here as an envoy of the Zanis Association, and I have an appointment to discuss important matters with Marshal Maximo himself. I would hate for this... episode to disturb my peace of mind before such a crucial meeting."

Vlad observed Urion closely, his own eyes narrowing. It was difficult to imagine someone this pompous earning an audience with Maximo. Clearly, the Zanis Association wielded more political clout than Vlad had initially suspected.

William’s gaze hardened at what was clearly an implied threat, a spark of irritation flashing through his eyes. Rather than continue to address Urion, he turned back to Vlad and stated bluntly, "The Marshal is expecting you."

Vlad gave a small, knowing smile. "I was already on my way. Let’s go." He nodded to Jormungandr, indicating to complete their transaction, then set off with William, ignoring Urion completely as they made their way toward the exit.

Fury twisted Urion’s features when he realized he was being brushed aside. The emissary of the Zanis Association clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white, but he was smart enough not to provoke a Royal Knight further. He shot one last poisonous glare at the Sky Seed Depravitas, his hatred evident. Then, with a quick glance at his guardian—who melted back into the shadows—he spun on his heel and left in silence.

Once Urion had departed, Jormungandr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir exchanged glances, shaking their heads in mild exasperation. The drama concluded for the moment, and they resumed their conversation with Oliver to finalize the exchange of corpses for military credits.

...

As Vlad and William advanced through the imposing corridors of the fortress’s middle ring and approached the grand passage leading to the inner ring, Vlad could no longer suppress his curiosity. A thoughtful glint appeared in his eyes, reflecting the controlled fury of the Depravita of Wrath within him. "So, tell me, Sir William," he began, "what exactly is the Zanis Association? I might have angered one of its members, but I’d like to know whose nest I’ve stirred up. I’m sure you’re well-informed."

William glanced at Vlad, his face momentarily revealing a flicker of sympathy. "The Zanis Association," he said, lowering his voice to avoid attracting too much attention, "is the primary supplier of war equipment to the Golden Sky Fortress. By one estimate, around eighty percent of the weapons, armor, and potions passing through the fortress’ gates are routed through their network."

Vlad paused mid-stride, genuinely impressed. "That must make them incredibly rich—and influential," he murmured. "To have such a near-monopoly in a place like this, they must be extremely efficient."

William’s expression turned grim. "They are extremely wealthy indeed, but their success has little to do with offering the best quality or the fairest prices. In fact, their goods are often considered mediocre, and their prices are heavily inflated. There are other organizations—small collectives of blacksmiths, independent potion brewers, and various trading groups—that could do a better job at a fraction of the cost if only they had the chance."