Alaric looked at Vesperine. Then at Sebastian standing vigilant beside her.
His mind worked.
System. Is it because of her Soul Path that I can't see her information?
A pause.
[No. Target have a high-grade concealment artifact. System level is insufficient to bypass artifact protections.]
So not her path. Her equipment.
[Correct.]
Vesperine tilted her head. "Anything else?"
Her tone stayed pleasant. Patient. But with an edge underneath. She'd made her offer. Expected acceptance.
Alaric met her gaze.
"Yes. I won't be acting as your lackey." His voice was firm, not aggressive, just... stated. Fact rather than challenge.
Vesperine's eyebrow raised.
Alaric continued before she could respond. His voice staying respectful but clear.
"I'll work with you. Provide intelligence. Execute operations when our goals align." He leaned forward slightly.
"But I need autonomy. Freedom to move. To make decisions in the field without waiting for approval."
He paused.
