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## Chapter 26: The Unspoken Proposal
The silence in Cade's room was absolute, save for the faint, steady hum of the Null Workshop. He held the obsidian fragment of the Legacy Construct, its cold surface a stark counterpoint to the buzzing energy he felt within himself. He had performed. He had proven his capabilities beyond doubt. Now, the true game began.
The "further, more in-depth assessment" that Governor Vance had spoken of arrived swiftly. The following morning, Cade was summoned to a private study within the Vance family's residential wing, a stark, opulent space adorned with ancient battle trophies and strategic maps. Lord Governor Elias Vance sat behind a massive, polished desk, flanked by Lord Lysander Vance and, predictably, Seraphina Vance. Commander Valerius stood to the side, a silent, imposing presence.
"Master Cade," Lord Governor Vance began, his voice calm, but with an underlying steel, "your abilities are… extraordinary. Our city faces threats that conventional Battle Armor technology struggles to contain. The Legacy Construct is proof of that." He gestured to a holographic projection of the shattered automaton. "Your method of 'unmaking' it could revolutionize our defense."
Cade remained impassive. "I am here to serve Veridia, Governor."
"Indeed," Lysander Vance interjected, his gaze sharp, calculating. "And Veridia requires understanding. Your 'Null Armor,' your 'resonant frequencies' – they represent a technological leap we cannot ignore. We require access to your armor for analysis. We require a full disclosure of its operational principles, its energy sources, its manufacturing process."
Cade felt a familiar chill. This was the trap. "My Lord Lysander," he replied, his voice firm, "the Null Armor is integrated with my unique capabilities. Its principles are intrinsically linked to my personal aptitude. It cannot be replicated, nor can its true nature be fully understood, by conventional means. Accessing it would be… detrimental to its integrity and my ability to operate it." He was careful with his words, implying a bond beyond simple mechanics.
Seraphina scoffed softly, a barely audible sound. "A convenient explanation, Master Cade. One that conveniently allows you to maintain total secrecy over a technology that could change the tide against the Unbound. Forgive my skepticism, but that sounds like a refusal to cooperate for the greater good."
"Cooperation is my intent, Lady Seraphina," Cade countered, meeting her fiery gaze. "But not at the cost of rendering myself, and the Null Armor, ineffective. My value lies in my unique ability to *wield* this power, not in revealing secrets that cannot be replicated."
Lord Governor Vance held up a hand, silencing his children. "We understand your concerns, Master Cade. We recognize the personal connection you claim to have with this… technology. Therefore, we propose an alternative." His eyes were piercing. "We wish for you to join the Vance Strategic Command. Not as a mere student, but as an integral asset. You would report directly to me, to Lord Lysander, and to Lady Seraphina. You would be tasked with the most critical threats, and in exchange, you would be granted unparalleled resources, access to our most advanced research, and protection under the highest authority in Veridia."
Cade's mind raced. This was the gilded cage. Unparalleled resources, yes, but also constant surveillance. Protection, yes, but under *their* thumb. He would be an invaluable weapon, but also a tightly controlled experiment. It was a classic Vance move: offer a deal so beneficial it was almost impossible to refuse, while subtly tightening the leash.
"A generous offer, Governor," Cade said, allowing a moment of feigned contemplation. "However, it comes with the understanding that my methods, and the Null Armor itself, remain my sole domain. I cooperate with directives, I execute missions, but the *how* remains confidential. My unique capability lies in its mystery, its ability to surprise our enemies."
Lysander's lips thinned. "Mystery creates questions, Master Cade. And unknowns are vulnerabilities. We would need a far greater degree of transparency."
"Or a greater degree of trust," Cade countered calmly. "My loyalty is to Veridia. My actions have demonstrated that. Is that not transparency enough?"
Seraphina stepped forward, her voice low and dangerously precise. "Loyalty is a word, Cade. Power is a reality. And your power is an enigma. We have seen what it can do. We have also seen that it operates outside every known parameter. For the safety of the city, we *must* understand it. If not through transparency, then through… **observation**." Her eyes held a chilling promise of a thorough, scientific dissection.
"Lady Seraphina's point is valid," Governor Vance stated, his voice firm. "We require your full cooperation. This offer is not simply a reward, Master Cade. It is a necessary measure for Veridia's security. Consider it carefully."
Cade knew. He had pushed them, and now they were pushing back. They wouldn't let him go. The only choice was to accept the cage, and then, from within, to find a way to turn its bars to his own advantage. He had planned for this.
He met the Governor's gaze, then allowed his eyes to briefly sweep over Seraphina, who watched him with unblinking intensity. He could almost feel her mind working, cataloging his every micro-expression.
"Very well, Governor," Cade finally stated, his voice clear and resonant. "I accept. I will join the Vance Strategic Command. I will serve Veridia. My unique capabilities will be at your disposal." He paused, a subtle, almost imperceptible hint of defiance in his posture. "But the Null Armor's methods, as I stated, remain my own. Its true nature will be revealed only when I deem it necessary. Until then, you will have to trust in my efficacy, not my explanations."
A flicker of something—frustration?—crossed Lysander's face. Seraphina merely narrowed her eyes, a silent declaration of war in her gaze. Commander Valerius, however, offered a grim, approving nod.
Lord Governor Vance permitted himself a small, satisfied smile. "Excellent, Master Cade. You have made a wise decision. Welcome to the heart of Veridia's defense."
Cade offered a respectful bow. He had secured his position. He was now embedded deep within the Vance family's operations. The web of suspicion had tightened, but Cade had chosen to weave himself further into its intricate design. He was an asset, a weapon, a mystery. And from this new vantage point, he would continue to unravel the secrets of the Great Rending, and perhaps, finally, unveil the true Architect.
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