A Larkinson mech pilot already entered the cockpit and activated the mech, causing its glow to reach the entire crowd of Glory Warriors.
"Now, let us begin. Captain Serena Valeis, please step forth."
One of the mech captains standing at the head of the column approached the looming Bright Warrior. Despite its strong glow, Captain Valeis maintained her neutral expression.
"Please place your hand onto the mech and pledge an oath of loyalty to the Larkinson Clan."
The captain did as Gloriana instructed. She spoke a short but precisely-worded oath that had been handed to her beforehand.
The glow of the Bright Warrior briefly pulsed, and Captain Valeis frowned as she felt something trying to burrow into her mind.
Eventually, the glow subsided, leaving the Hexer mech officer confused.
Gloriana peered very closely at the first Hexer to attempt to join the Larkinson and failed to detect the distinctive sensation of facing a fellow Larkinson.
"Failed. Try again."
The captain did as ordered, but the Bright Warrior did not seem receptive.
As the second attempt failed, Gloriana began to look upset. It seemed that Ves had designed and instructed the ancestral spirit of the Larkinson Clan too well!
Even if the new arrivals had already undergone some ideological training in order to shave off the sharper edges of their Hexer mindsets, they still possessed a strong attachment to the Hexadric Hegemony and the Wodin Dynasty in particular.
In order for anyone to become a Larkinson, they not only had to place the interests of the clan above the interests of other states, but also exhibit at least some alignment to the core values and principles of the Larkinsons!
Apparently, Captain Valeis still had some ways to go before she could even think about gaining the Golden Cat's approval.
Still, Gloriana had prepared for this occasion. She picked up Clixie and stepped closer to the foot of the Bright Warrior before holding out her cat.
"Clixie, can you tell Goldie to do us a favor?"
"Miaow?"
"Just talk to the mech like you talk to the Larkinson Mandate. Goldie will listen."
Even though neither Gloriana nor Clixie could actually talk or see the Golden Cat, they still made the attempt.
"Miaow miaow miaow."
Clixie started to talk to Bright Warrior mech. This lasted for roughly a minute before the Bright Warrior's glow began to pulse in an aggressive fashion.
Gloriana grew uncertain as she pulled back her cat. "Try again, captain."
When Captain Valeis pledged her loyalty to the Larkinson Clan yet again, the result was the same as before.
"Hmm." Gloriana thought for a moment. "I think I understand why we are not successful. The Golden Cat is supposed to embody the thoughts and beliefs of the Larkinson Clan. Right now, our presence isn't very welcome here. While I managed to get in on account of my relationship with Ves, the rest of you do not share his affection."
Now that she figured a possible cause for the rejection, she could work on resolving it! If the Larkinsons harbored a bad impression of Hexers, then Gloriana should just change that by winning their hearts and minds!
"It's a good thing Ves isn't here, hihi!"