Primordial's Conquest

Chapter 12: The Sentinel

Yome and Bridge dropped to one knee a moment later as they bowed in respect and reverence.

"We greet the Sentinel."

The Sentinel, Bastian, let out a quiet sigh as he watched them.

After several moments, Bridge tentatively glanced to the side, stunned, as he noticed that just like before - Arbus didn't bother showing respect to his superior. Instead, he remained standing.

Even Yome couldn't help but be shocked this time.

The Sentinel of a Star System was different from a simple Commander, or even a High Commander.

Most Star Systems in the sectors of the universe controlled by the Renegades didn't have one, due to how hard it was to ascend to the 5th Stage of the heart shard.

If the Emperor and the Pinnacles were deities, then Sentinels were akin to minor deities.

A hint of annoyance appeared in her expression.

Eventually, she turned her gaze back to the Sentinel, ignoring him completely.

Arbus continued glancing around the room for a few moments, before his gaze eventually landed on Bastian.

Instead of a bow, he gave a casual nod.

"It's good to see you're doing well, Sentinel Bastian."

Bastian remained silent for a few moments as he turned to him.

Then, he smiled brightly. "It's good to see you too, kid. You've grown a bit taller, it seems."

"Well, I suppose that makes sense. Six years is a lot of time, isn't it?"

Both Yome and Bridge couldn't hide their surprise at the casual way Arbus and the Sentinel spoke to each other.

It seemed he had connections with even the Sentinel himself.

Bastian turned his attention back to them. "Both of you can stand now. There's really no need for such formalities. I'm sure Ophilia has already informed you of my policies. Try to be as casual as possible when you're with me."

Yome hesitated for a few moments, then rose slowly, as Bridge followed her lead.

"Forgive us for finding them hard to follow," Yome muttered. "After all, you are the Sentinel."

Bastian sighed dramatically. "I suppose I am. But I'm also a Renegade, just like the two of you."

He made a dismissive gesture. "I don't really care about protocol as much as some others do. In the end, it accomplishes nothing."

"I despise when things are more complicated than they need to be. Especially when someone acts more important than they really are," he continued.

"We're all the same after all. We're all just Guardians of this universe, fighting at different scenes to protect it."

He paused for several moments, his gaze shifting slightly.

"…And to be honest with you three, I'm not really a fan of Renegades basically being an unquestionable government for this universe."

"Sometimes… it feels like we simply replaced the human tyrants the Renegades of the past fought so hard to defeat," he muttered as his gaze wandered.

Yome and Bridge stared at him with complicated expressions.

'Just like I thought, he's really different,' Yome mused inwardly.

After a bit, Bastian turned his gaze back to Yome.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I asked for your crew to be sent here along with Arbus."

"It's pretty obvious that a Captain at the very least would usually be asked to handle that under normal circumstances."

"…That thought had crossed my mind, sir," Yome acknowledged.

Bastian remained silent for several moments, then leaned forward - his hands clasped together.

"I asked you to come here, because I believe you have quite a lot of innate potential, Yome Kyun."

"Not only that, you're also one of the most hardworking Renegades I've ever had the honour of observing."

Yome blinked, caught off guard by the sudden praise.

Bastian continued.

"You see, I have a habit of keeping track of as many Renegades as I can in my Star System. To ensure no one talented enough, or hardworking enough, slips through the cracks because of opportunities, lack of family ties, or anything else."

"Your story was especially interesting to me, Vanguard Yome," he said.

"A Red Mornan that moved to this Star System to be a Renegade at the young age of sixteen. Four years later, here you are, already a Vanguard with your own squad of Knights."

"Not only that, you also gained a unique ability from the moment you were given the Heart-shard. Honestly, I was shocked," Bastian mused.

"You remind me of a certain hardworking Mornan I knew of. Commander Sagitta."

Yome's eyes widened slightly.

"I don't think I'm deserving of that much praise, Sentinel," she replied awkwardly.

Arbus's gaze darkened slightly at the mention of Sagitta.

Meanwhile, Bridge stood behind Yome, a charming, proud smile resting on his face.

"I disagree wholeheartedly. Sagitta would too. He'd have been proud to see another Red Mornan like him break through the mentality that most Red Mornan Renegades have been forced to accept," Bastian continued with a sigh.

He turned to Bridge.

"You and the rest of your crew are rather impressive as well. I'd have liked to meet all of you, but since I couldn't, be sure to give them all my regards."

"Yes, Sentinel!" Bridge said nervously as he bowed again.

"Forgive me for interrupting, Sentinel," Yome said suddenly. "But I'd also like to know what the test at the door was all about - if you don't mind."

The Sentinel remained silent for several moments, then smiled.

"Of course, that's to be expected."

"I was the one who had Ophilia arrange that."

Yome's brows furrowed slightly as she glanced at Ophilia, who was standing off to the side.

The Remarta didn't meet her gaze; instead, the books on the shelves suddenly seemed more interesting to her.

"I'm sorry if they were a bit rough on you, I told them to increase the intensity a bit more this time." He said apologetically.

"... It's a way I often use to test the resolve of Renegades I'm interested in."

Yome frowned.

"To test my resolve... What for?"

A low hum escaped Bastian's lips as he considered his words for several moments.

"Tell me, Yome Kyun." He said slowly. "What obsession drives you to strive so much. What is it that keeps you going no matter what."

He paused for several moments, then asked.

"What is your conviction?"