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'Weren't you just telling me that I need to be more self-confident or some shit?' said Hector.

'That was different.'

'How was it different?'

'It just was. Stop questioning me.'

Hector snickered and shook his head. He rematerialized one of his gauntlets, just to make sure that he could. Yep. Worked just fine. That was a relief, at least.

He yawned. Man, he was exhausted.

And it was more than just his body, he realized. He'd felt this way before. It felt like his soul was tired. Or maybe his aura? Or neither? He had no idea how else to describe this sensation, whatever it was. He just knew he needed to sleep.

He lay back down after dematerializing the last of bits of armor on him. He could change his shredded clothe slater.

Right as his head hit the pillow, however, his eyes eased open and stayed that away.

Because he remembered something else that he'd forgotten.

Multiple somethings, as a matter of fact. All assaulting his mind at once.

Fuck.

He sighed and sat back up. It was going to be a while before he was allowed to get some sleep, he knew.

He looked for his phone. It was there on the night stand next to his bed.

He called Carl Rondel, the Vanguardian advisor to the President of Lorent.

Thankfully, the man picked immediately. <"Yes? Any updates for me?">

"My home was attacked by some of Bloodeye's scouts," said Hector. "But it's been taken care of. What about you? Any news for me?"

<"They attacked Warrenhold?!">

"Yeah, but we're all good, now. No casualties."

<"But there's been no other attacks reported! Why would they skip all the way to your fortress in Atreya without invading Lorent first?">

That was indeed a good question, Hector felt. "It was a scouting party," he reiterated. "Could be that they're still uncertain about whether they should invade Lorent or not."

<"Then Zaman's information was off. The fool said a major offensive into Lorent was imminent.">

"It'd be nice if he was wrong, but it's a bit early to be feeling relieved. You're sure there's been no other activity?"

<"I'm certain. I have men stationed in almost every city in the country, providing constant updates and check-ins. If an attack is launched, I will know of it in minutes, one way or another.">

Hmm. Maybe Carl had more people working for him than Hector thought. "Alright, well, call me if something develops, and I'll provide support however I can."