At the word "turncoat," Van-Fem rolled his eyes at Yuan Shikai.
Then he said irritably, "It's self-preservation, not betrayal. If the Dark Six Ritual really were just about making poison to use against Earth, then so be it. We could die for that.
"After all, we were created in Crimson Moon's image. Crimson Moon is something like our mother. If our mother needs her children to sacrifice themselves, we can hardly refuse."
"But the ritual's real purpose is to resurrect Dark Six, trading the lives of six True Ancestors for one. Even an idiot like Trhvmn Ortenrosse isn't willing to do that. Why would I be?"
Yuan Shikai said, "Then couldn't you True Ancestors just stay out of the ritual? Why do you have to go, and of your own accord at that?"
Van-Fem sighed, then displayed the Principle Blood Ring on his hand.
"Ah, the other True Ancestors who inherited the previous generation's Principle Blood Rings simply don't know. But as one of the three oldest True Ancestors, I do."
"Crimson Moon left a backdoor inside us that lets him forcibly control us at critical moments. Rather than be controlled from the outset, it's more effective to turn against him at the crucial moment."
"Once the ritual begins, Crimson Moon will definitely face Zelretch. He won't have time to watch us then, so even if we hold things up a little, he won't notice."
"As long as Trhvmn Ortenrosse and I work together, we can easily buy you some time. It's a win-win. Why wouldn't we do it?"
Holy shit. Yuan Shikai really admired Van-Fem.
Not only was the guy smart, but his acting was impeccable too.
Yuan Shikai asked, "Why are you all so opposed to Dark Six's resurrection?"
Van-Fem said, "Because Crimson Moon likes him. He's a