Building My SSS-Rank Universal Empire: From Trash to Cosmic Overlord-Chapter 141: Let’s get you settled

Dlodus had been searching for them for two days, and he wasn’t the only one. Once the news spread that Vale had been taken away, and that he alone was taken, everyone was out looking for his remaining teammates.

Those at the front of the search were the Scuffed Bones. They came out in numbers and began a large-scale search. They even sent out bounty posters with ten thousand coins, slightly more than the one the Crimson Hood put up for nine thousand coins.

Different teams were looking as well, since their respective Flagbearers were interested in them. Even the remaining outlaws were out and about, searching for them to exact their revenge.

But surprisingly, no matter where they searched, no one had been able to discover them—even though Dlodus had told his Flags to hide immediately when they saw Tiber and Slya.

In the end, it was them who sought him out. Dlodus was suddenly jolted awake in his sleep, his eyes flashing with lightning as he detected an intruder.

Lightning suddenly gathered around him and shot forward, but just as it illuminated the surroundings, it vanished—snuffed out by a more powerful force.

"You are in a dream, Dlodus," a voice said. A figure quickly outlined itself in front of him, watching silently.

Dlodus tensed as his bed and room disappeared, replaced by rugged mountains. He was standing atop one. "A dream? How’s that possible?"

"It matters little. Just know that we can communicate safely here. I heard from one of your members that you are searching for us—but not like the others." Tiber had actually pulled the individual into a dream when they passed by their hideout.

It was simple, really. Slya and Tiber hid underground by digging a hole, and then Slya forged the interior. It had been relatively safe so far, as they only went out on two nights.

Dlodus, who had regained his composure, smiled. "What a terrifying ability you have."

Tiber tilted his head in acknowledgment, then asked after a moment, "Why are you looking for us?"

Dlodus smirked. "I want to recruit you to join the Steelclaw Alliance. Your powers are slightly above the average Knight rank. I’ll be returning to the forefront soon with some Knights. Join me."

Tiber was silent for a while, considering, then finally shook his head. "Vale is still alive, and we already swore our oath to him as his Knights," he said calmly.

Dlodus rubbed his chin. "A shame indeed. So you’ll join Steelclaw when he dies? If he’s not already dead."

"He’s not dead, and we will be saving him," Tiber replied in the same calm voice.

Dlodus stared at him in surprise before barking out a laugh. "You? Do you understand what the Flagbearers are? They are Master Knights. Unless one of them makes a move against the Scuffed Bones, there will be no saving him."

Tiber nodded, as if expecting this. "That is why we are here. Take us to the forefront. Let us meet the Flagbearer of the Steelclaw Alliance. He will save Vale."

Dlodus opened his mouth and closed it without saying anything. It seemed even he was too stunned by this turn of events.

He stood there for a while before shaking his head. "You two are just as crazy as Vale. Steelclaw will save him? Now that’s something I never expected to hear from your mouth."

Dlodus rubbed his chin, a new smile on his face. "This will be fun. I also have a lot to report to the Steelclaw Alliance. So why wouldn’t I bring you along? I want to see what you will do."

Tiber bowed. "Then will you come and escort us in?"

Before he could answer, the darkness dissolved around him, and Dlodus immediately woke up on his bed. He looked around carefully. "It really was a dream."

He stood up, walked to the window, opened it, and allowed the silver light inside. A small cloud formed around him, and he sat on it, floating out the window toward the gate.

He found the two guards on watch snoring away. He wasn’t surprised, nor was he surprised when the darkness in front of the gate stirred, revealing the two figures looking back at him.

Tiber and Slya.

Slya glared at him immediately. "Try to pull anything funny, and I will have your head."

Dlodus raised his hands. "I know, I know. But come to think of it—now that Vale isn’t here, I guess I’m the rank one available here."

He let that sink in, a subtle warning that didn’t pass Slya by. She tensed, the shadows around her tightening in response.

Dlodus laughed again. "Come on, come on. Let’s get you settled in. We leave tomorrow!"

☆☆☆☆

The next morning, Dlodus woke them before the sun had a chance to shine. They washed and changed, after which they settled for an early breakfast.

Everyone was quiet as they focused on what lay ahead.

During the two days they were hiding, Tiber had been busy.

All the information he bought finally arrived, and he sent Slya, who used shadow steps, to pick it up. The information gave him an idea of what to do next.

Tiber shook himself out of his thoughts when Slya asked if he was done. He nodded, even though his stomach churned with nerves, twisting the food he had just eaten into knots.

Of course, none of it showed on his face. He took a deep breath as they followed Dlodus. ’Besides... I have a few days on the journey to get used to what must be done... Slya as well. I’m sure she’s just as nervous.’

But Dlodus didn’t lead them outside. Instead, he took them to his office, where, behind a secret fake wall, he showed them a mirror as tall as Tiber.

"What’s this?" Slya asked suspiciously.

Dlodus smirked. "What? Do you think I plan to go all the way to the forefront? This is a portal that will take us directly there. Others will join us later. Liam, make all the arrangements."

His assistant bowed to him.

Dlodus then chanted a few words of power, and the mirror hummed to life. "What are you waiting for?"

Tiber and Slya exchanged horrified looks. There was no time at all!