Vale listened intently as Tiber explained. "The Barrens is made up of different layers, five of them. The layers represent the level of dangers you can encounter the closer you get to the Rift itself. The first layer here is still manageable because the Squire teams can handle the monsters and ruins.
"But the farther you go, the more dangerous and powerful the monsters become, so only higher-ranked teams can handle it. The fifth layer is where the main battle is going on and where the Flagbearers have their elite forces."
Vale tilted his head. "So, who looks after each layer since the Flagbearers aren't there?"
"Each flag looks after itself," Tiber replied. "The strongest in each layer takes command of that layer, but the other flag teams won't necessarily listen to them unless it's something that affects the whole layer."
Vale frowned. That sounded unnecessarily complicated. "That's a lot of complications. Why don't they set up a simple chain of command? It'd be a lot easier that way."
Tiber snorted. "Won't work. This is not the army, Vale. The nature of this place is that strength rules. And besides, most of the people fighting aren't the personal forces of the Flagbearers."
Vale's confusion only grew. He flexed his shoulders and slammed his pickaxe down again. "What do you mean?"
Syla took over, her tone patient. "Let's take it from the beginning. Teams are formed by individuals, and then they sign a form of contract with the Flagbearer of their choice. But once they do, they're bound by it. Most of the teams here are mercenaries, outlaws, and bandits who come together and form teams.
"Even criminals sent over by the Clans are given the same grace, though they can't leave the Borderlands. But all this is for those who are Squire rank and above."
Vale nodded slowly. "So I can form a team?"
Tiber's gaze was steady. "You can, but I'd advise you to know your strength first. There's always fierce competition among the teams. You'll only be used as cannon fodder otherwise. Why do you think the overseers and even Taiwo aren't out there fighting monsters and clearing ruins?
"It's because they're not strong enough," he sighed. "Everything here is about power."
Vale digested that quietly. If he wanted to understand what the Borderlands truly offered, he would have to form a team eventually. But for now, he needed to follow their advice and build his strength.
He tilted his head. "If the overseers are Squires, even weak ones, how does this Kade have any influence at all?"
Tiber and Slya exchanged subtle, almost nervous glances. Vale paused his swinging to focus on them. The real value of his deal seemed to lie here. "Well?" he pressed.
Finally, Tiber exhaled. "It's not Kade they're afraid of. It's what he represents. Kade's little gang is affiliated with Nyxori."
Vale blinked. "Am I supposed to know that?"
Syla pressed her lips together, shaking her head. "They're Knights, but… not part of the Knight Assembly."
Something hit Vale like a physical blow. "What?"
Tiber and Slya simply looked at him, part amused, part surprised.
"But every Knight belongs to the Knight Assembly," Vale said.
Tiber sighed. "The Knight Assembly is just a political organization. It's the biggest organization for Knights, but it isn't the only one. Most other organizations operate in the dark because they aren't generally accepted by the Clans."
Vale's mind raced. There were other… organizations? Then there must be some that accept forbidden marks. The Knight Assembly made rules against forbidden marks, but others might allow them.
He found it hard to breathe. "Then this Nyxori… they're an organization too?"
"Yes, but they're made up of the Mystic Orders. Really, they focus on alchemy. They can be said to be an organization of alchemists."
"Oh." Vale forced himself not to show his disappointment.
"Yes. Apart from the Knight Assembly, few organizations bring the different Orders together. Most only focus on a particular Order or aspect of it."
Vale nodded. That made sense. "How does Nyxori fit into all this?"
"They're allied with the Flagbearers, making potions and pills in exchange for raw materials. The Nyxori branch here is small but powerful, and no one wants to cross them."
Vale frowned slightly. "Why would an organization like that support Kade?"
"Because he oversees their illegal operations here in the mine. He ensures the smuggled starsalt reaches them."
Vale stared, too stunned to speak immediately. "Of course."
Tiber shrugged. "Starsalt is like fuel. They'll provide food and other things if you work for them. And if you participate in a big operation? You might even get a construct."
Their eyes gleamed as they said it.
Vale exhaled, absorbing the weight of it all. There was so much he didn't know. "What's a construct? And are you part of Kade's gang? Is that why you're so healthy?"
Syla snorted. "We're not. That guy uses his gang members to bully workers into providing extra starsalt. No, we work directly with Nyxori. That's why you see a lot of us who don't look like we'd fall over."
"Yes," Vale murmured. So much was happening here that he hadn't known—a lot about the world he lived in. Maybe the Borderlands wouldn't be so bad after all. "So, what big operation are you talking about?"
Tiber and Slya shook their heads. "We can't say unless you join them. They're vicious to those who leak information. But you should join. It'll be better that way, so Kade won't come after you."
Vale tilted his head. "Ah, yes. You said something like that before. But why would Kade come after me? No… why should I be afraid of him? I'm a Squire."
Syla grimaced. "Apart from the fact he's a valued part of Nyxori? Well… he's a Squire-ranked construct user."